Constipation is often considered a digestive issue linked only to diet. However, there is a large subset of patients who fail dietary adjustments because the root cause lies in pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. In this article, I explain this connection.
The Mechanics of Defecation
Normal defecation requires abdominal pressure to rise while the pelvic floor muscles, specifically the puborectalis muscle, relax to open the anorectal angle. If these muscles fail to relax or contract paradoxically, it blocks the passage of stool, leading to dyssynergic defecation.
Risks of Chronic Straining
Continuous straining damages tissue, causing hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and rectoceles, while also weakening bladder control and cinsel health.