Physiotherapy
Straining on the toilet increases the pressure inside your stomach, pushing down on your prolapse or bladder neck, which can make your problems worse.
It is important to sit in the right position on the toilet when opening your bowels. This allows the bowel motion to pass easily along the rectum and reduces the need to strain.
- Sit fully on the toilet. Do not ‘hover’. Your knees should be apart and higher than your hips which may mean putting your feet up on a small stool, or an upturned washing up bowl. They need to be raised about 15cm.
- Lean forwards, resting your arms on your thighs, but do not allow your back to slump.
- Keep the arch in your lower back.
Try to breathe right to the bottom of your lungs with your mouth open to prevent straining and avoid contracting your pelvic floor muscles (known as ‘diaphragmatic’ breathing).
‘Bulge’ your tummy muscles forwards as you take a breath in and then ‘brace’ your tummy to prevent it from bulging further forwards. Don’t tighten your tummy. Relax the muscles around your back passage (anus) to let the stool out. Use your breath out to increase the pressure in your abdomen and gently push down towards your anus.
If this is not successful after 3 attempts, get up from the toilet and walk around. Having a warm drink may also be helpful.
You can practice this brace and bulge technique whilst sitting on a hard chair but once mastered it should only be used as a toilet technique.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 854453
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]