It's important that we look after our bodies including down to going to the toilet!
This can be an issue for some young people and can continue into adult life, but it's important to remember that everybody is different and there is lots of support that can be provided for issues around going to the toilet. This includes things like nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) and constipation.
Certain issues can feel embarrassing at times and can be difficult to deal with, so below you can find information on problems around daytime and night-time wetting, and problems with things such as constipation.
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A common bowel condition in young people is constipation. Research shows that up to 30% of the child population struggle with constipation – and this does not include children and young people that do not report their struggles due to embarrassment! The precise cause of constipation remains unclear; however, several factors may play a role, such as pain, fever, dehydration, diet, fluid intake, psychological issues, toilet training experiences, medications, and a family history of constipation. Research tells us that you should have at least three fully formed stools (poo) each week. The signs and symptoms of childhood idiopathic constipation include: infrequent bowel activity, foul smelling wind and stools, excessive flatulence, irregular stool texture, passing occasional enormous stools or frequent small pellets, withholding or straining to stop passage of stools, soiling or overflow, abdominal pain, distension or discomfort, poor appetite, lack of energy, an unhappy, angry or irritable mood and general malaise. If you or a young person you know are showing signs of constipation you should book to see your GP as soon as possible. The quicker they are assessed, the easier it will be to treat the problem. Further support |
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Daytime wetting in young people, also known as diurnal enuresis, refers to involuntary urine leakage during waking hours, which can be caused by a variety of factors including bladder dysfunction, developmental delays, or psychological stress, and may require a comprehensive medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management. Further information |
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Delayed toilet training in children refers to the extended timeframe beyond the typical developmental age for achieving bladder and bowel control, which may result from a variety of factors such as physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, and often necessitates individualised approaches to support the child’s progress. Further information |
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Night time wetting in young people, or nocturnal enuresis, is the involuntary release of urine during sleep, commonly occurring due to delayed bladder maturation, genetic factors, or insufficient nighttime urine production, and typically requires a thorough assessment to determine appropriate treatment strategies. Further information |
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Soiling in children, also known as encopresis, refers to the involuntary or voluntary passage of stool into inappropriate places, often associated with chronic constipation or emotional factors, and typically requires medical evaluation and behavioural interventions to address both physical and psychological components. Further information |
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Smearing in children, which involves the intentional spreading of faeces, is often associated with sensory processing issues, emotional distress, or developmental conditions, and typically requires a thorough assessment and individualized behavioural strategies to address the underlying causes. Further information |
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Stool withholding in children occurs when a child deliberately avoids bowel movements, often due to fear of pain or discomfort, which can lead to constipation and other complications, requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving medical, behavioural, and dietary interventions. Further information |
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Toilet worries in children, which may stem from anxiety, fear of using unfamiliar toilets, or previous negative experiences, can impact their willingness to use the toilet and may require reassurance, behavioural interventions, and a supportive approach to address the underlying concerns. Further information |
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