The Scoop on Poop: Understanding and Treating Constipation at Any Age

If you’ve ever wondered whether you (or your child) should be pooping more often, you’re not alone. Constipation is one of those topics no one loves to talk about—but in my world as a pelvic floor physical therapist, it comes up every single day.

From kids struggling with potty training to adults dealing with bloating, urgency, or incomplete emptying, constipation can look very different depending on age and life stage. Understanding what’s actually going on is the first step toward feeling better.

So let’s talk about poop. 💩

Did You Poop Today?

(And if not… should you be concerned?)

Everyone’s “normal” is different, but persistent difficulty with bowel movements is a sign your body may need support.

Did you poop today?

What Exactly Is Constipation?

Constipation isn’t just about “not going.” It can include:

• Infrequent bowel movements

• Hard or dry stools

• Straining on the toilet

• Feeling like you didn’t fully empty

• Needing a long time to poop or relying on laxatives

Clinically, providers often use the Rome Criteria, which defines constipation as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, straining, or a sensation of incomplete emptying.

But here’s where it gets tricky:👉 You can still be constipated even if you poop every day, especially if stool is backed up in the colon and not fully evacuating.

Tools like the Bristol Stool Scale help categorize stool consistency, but constipation is rarely a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.

How Common Is Constipation, Really?

More common than you might think:

• 16% of adults meet criteria for constipation

• 33% of adults over 65

• Women are more likely than men

• Up to 30% of children experience constipation

• Constipation is the leading cause of bedwetting

• About 5% of all pediatrician visits are constipation-related

In other words—this is not a rare or “minor” issue.

Signs of Constipation (They’re Not Always Obvious)

In Adults, constipation may look like:

• Bloating or abdominal discomfort

• Excess gas

• Indigestion or reflux

• Feeling full quickly

• Low appetite

• Irritability or fatigue

In Children, constipation can show up as:

• Bedwetting

• Poop smears or accidents

• Large stools that clog the toilet

• Urgency or withholding behaviors

• Recurrent UTIs

• Belly pain or itchy bottoms

• Difficulty with toilet training

• Trouble focusing or behavioral changes

Constipation can also affect nutrient absorption, gut health, bladder function, and overall comfort.

A Pediatric Version of the Bristol Stool Scale

What Causes Constipation?

In Children

• Diet: Low fiber or inadequate fluids

• Emotional factors: Stress, fear of painful poops, school or home changes

• Activity level: Less movement = slower bowels

• Schedule changes: Travel and disrupted routines

• Potty training challenges: Starting too early or pressure to “perform” can lead to withholding and stool backup

In Adults

• Diet & dehydration

• Sedentary lifestyles

• Medications or medical conditions (including IBS or pregnancy)

• Stress and tension: Chronic tension in the body often includes the pelvic floor, which can slow gut motility over time

Why Treating Constipation Matters

Untreated constipation doesn’t just “go away.” Over time, it can contribute to:

• Hemorrhoids

• Anal fissures

• Fecal impaction

• Worsening bladder symptoms

• Disrupted gut health and immunity

• Increased anxiety around toileting

Addressing constipation early—especially in kids—can prevent years of frustration and discomfort.

How to Get Things Moving Again

Diet & Lifestyle Support

• Increasing fluids and fiber helps many people(And for those who feel worse with fiber—yes, that’s a thing, and we can help.)

• Regular movement matters: walking, twisting, bending—all stimulate digestion

Medical Support

• Over-the-counter options can be helpful short term

• If symptoms persist or meet Rome Criteria, a healthcare provider should be involved

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps

Pelvic PT is often overlooked—but it can be a game changer for bowel health.

Treatment may include:

• Abdominal bowel massage

• Breathwork to support digestion and emptying

• Core strengthening to improve pressure management

• Toileting posture and timing education

• Pelvic floor muscle training to improve relaxation, coordination, and urge awareness

For many people, constipation isn’t about weakness—it’s about coordination and timing.

Wrapping It Up

Constipation is common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether you’re supporting a child through toilet learning or dealing with bowel changes yourself, help is available—and often simpler than you expect.

If constipation is interfering with comfort, confidence, or daily life, it may be time to look a little deeper.

Here’s to smoother days (and easier poops) ahead. 💩✨