What are the common symptoms of tenesmus. How is tenesmus diagnosed. What are the potential causes of tenesmus. Which lifestyle changes can help manage tenesmus. How do doctors treat tenesmus based on its underlying cause.

Understanding Tenesmus: A Frustrating Digestive Symptom

Tenesmus is a perplexing and often uncomfortable digestive symptom characterized by the frequent and urgent sensation of needing to pass stool, despite having an empty bowel. This condition can significantly impact one’s quality of life, causing distress and discomfort during bowel movements. To better understand tenesmus, it’s crucial to recognize its symptoms and potential underlying causes.

Key Symptoms of Tenesmus

• Frequent urge to have a bowel movement
• Urgent need to evacuate the bowels
• Straining and discomfort during bowel movements
• Passing only small amounts of stool
• Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying

These symptoms can be persistent and frustrating, often leading individuals to spend excessive time in the bathroom with little relief. The constant feeling of needing to pass stool, even when the bowels are empty, can be particularly distressing and may interfere with daily activities.

Unraveling the Causes of Tenesmus

Tenesmus is not a standalone condition but rather a symptom that can arise from various underlying gastrointestinal issues. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Tenesmus

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Constipation
• Proctitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Rectal prolapse
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affecting the rectum
• Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections of the colon
• Anorectal motility disorders
• Certain types of abdominal surgery
• Rectal abscesses
• Colorectal cancer

Among these causes, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is one of the most common culprits behind tenesmus. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that cause long-term inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to ulcerations and scarring that can make it difficult to pass stool.

The Link Between IBD and Tenesmus

Inflammatory Bowel Disease plays a significant role in the development of tenesmus. But how exactly does IBD lead to this uncomfortable symptom?

Impact of IBD on the Digestive System

In IBD, chronic inflammation causes ulcerations and scarring throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This damage can make it challenging for the body to pass stool normally, resulting in tenesmus. The key differences between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis lie in the location and extent of inflammation:

• Crohn’s disease: Can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus
• Ulcerative colitis: Limited to the colon and rectum

While the exact cause of IBD remains unknown, genetic factors and an overactive immune response to gut bacteria are believed to play crucial roles. Individuals with a family history of IBD are at higher risk of developing the condition.

Additional Symptoms of IBD

Alongside tenesmus, individuals with IBD may experience a range of other symptoms, including:

1. Weight loss
2. Fatigue
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal cramping and pain
5. Rectal bleeding

These symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go in periods of flare-ups and remission.

Diagnosing Tenesmus: A Comprehensive Approach

When a patient presents with symptoms of tenesmus, healthcare providers employ a range of diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause. How do doctors approach the diagnosis of tenesmus?

Diagnostic Process for Tenesmus

1. Physical examination
2. Detailed medical history and symptom assessment
3. Diagnostic tests and procedures

The specific tests used may vary depending on the suspected cause of tenesmus. Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Endoscopy and colonoscopy
• Imaging studies (radiography, MRI, CT scans)
• Stool sample analysis
• Blood tests
• Anorectal manometry

These tests not only help identify the cause of tenesmus but are also crucial in diagnosing conditions like IBS, colorectal cancer, and sexually transmitted infections that may be responsible for the symptoms.

Treatment Strategies for Tenesmus

The treatment of tenesmus is primarily focused on addressing the underlying condition causing the symptom. However, there are several approaches that can help manage the discomfort and improve quality of life.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

For tenesmus caused by conditions such as IBD, IBS, constipation, or motility disorders, certain lifestyle modifications can provide relief:

• Dietary adjustments
• Increased water intake
• Regular physical activity
• Bowel training techniques

These home-based strategies can also serve as preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of tenesmus episodes.

Dietary Modifications for Tenesmus Relief

How can diet help manage tenesmus? The approach may differ depending on the underlying cause:

• For IBS and constipation: A high-fiber diet (at least 20 grams daily) can soften stool and add bulk, making it easier to pass.
• For IBD: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods is crucial, especially during flare-ups. Some high-fiber foods may exacerbate symptoms in IBD patients.

Working with a healthcare provider or dietitian can help develop a personalized dietary plan that addresses individual needs and underlying conditions.

Hydration and Physical Activity: Key Factors in Managing Tenesmus

Proper hydration and regular exercise play crucial roles in managing tenesmus and promoting overall digestive health. How do these lifestyle factors contribute to symptom relief?

The Importance of Hydration

Adequate water intake is essential for maintaining soft, easily passable stools. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends:

• Women: 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of water daily
• Men: 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water daily

It’s important to note that these are general recommendations, and individual needs may vary based on factors such as activity level, climate, and overall health.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular exercise can significantly improve tenesmus symptoms, particularly for individuals with IBS or constipation. Physical activity stimulates intestinal movement, helping to:

• Promote regular bowel movements
• Reduce constipation
• Alleviate abdominal discomfort

Incorporating moderate exercise into daily routines, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can have a positive impact on digestive health and overall well-being.

Bowel Training: A Technique for Managing Tenesmus

For individuals experiencing tenesmus related to constipation, bowel training can be an effective management strategy. What does bowel training involve?

Key Elements of Bowel Training

1. Establishing a regular schedule for bowel movements, often within an hour after breakfast
2. Allowing sufficient time for bathroom use without rushing
3. Responding promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement
4. Practicing relaxation techniques during bowel movements

Consistency is key when implementing bowel training techniques. Over time, this approach can help regulate bowel movements and reduce the frequency and intensity of tenesmus symptoms.

Medical Treatments for Tenesmus

When lifestyle modifications and home remedies are insufficient, medical interventions may be necessary to manage tenesmus. The specific treatment approach depends on the underlying cause:

• For IBD: Anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, or biologics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
• For infections: Appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications will be used to treat the underlying infection.
• For motility disorders: Medications to regulate bowel movements or relax intestinal muscles may be recommended.
• For more severe cases: Surgical interventions may be considered, particularly for conditions like rectal prolapse or colorectal cancer.

It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific condition and needs.

Long-term Management and Prognosis of Tenesmus

Managing tenesmus often requires a long-term approach, especially when it’s related to chronic conditions like IBD or IBS. What can individuals expect in terms of long-term management and prognosis?

Strategies for Long-term Management

1. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
2. Monitoring symptoms and identifying triggers
3. Adhering to prescribed treatment plans
4. Maintaining lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management)
5. Participating in support groups or counseling, if needed

The prognosis for tenesmus varies depending on the underlying cause. For many individuals, symptoms can be effectively managed with a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. However, for those with chronic conditions like IBD, ongoing management may be necessary to prevent flare-ups and maintain quality of life.

Importance of Early Intervention

Early diagnosis and treatment of tenesmus and its underlying causes are crucial for preventing complications and improving outcomes. Individuals experiencing persistent symptoms should seek medical attention promptly to ensure timely intervention and appropriate management.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for tenesmus, individuals can work effectively with their healthcare providers to develop comprehensive management strategies. While tenesmus can be a frustrating and uncomfortable symptom, with proper care and attention, many people can find relief and improve their overall digestive health.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & More

Tenesmus can occur if you have health conditions that affect your gastrointestinal tract. Prevention and treatment can depend on the underlying condition.

Tenesmus is the frequent and urgent feeling that you need to pass stool, even if your bowels are already empty. It may involve straining and discomfort during bowel movements, only to produce a small amount of stool.

Symptoms of tenesmus include:

• frequently feeling like you need to pass stool
• urgency to evacuate your bowels
• straining and discomfort during bowel movements
• passing only a small amount of stool
• feeling as if you can’t completely empty your bowels

If you have tenesmus, you’ll often feel the need to empty your bowels, even if there’s little to no stool to pass. Bowel movements may involve significant cramping and discomfort.

You may often find yourself straining to pass small amounts of fecal matter.

Tenesmus may be a symptom of a number of conditions involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Potential causes for tenesmus may include:

• Crohn’s disease
• ulcerative colitis (UC)
• constipation
• proctitis, which is usually caused by an infection or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• rectal prolapse
• sexually transmitted infection (STI) of the rectum
• viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections of the colon
• anorectal motility disorders
• certain types of abdominal surgery
• rectal abscesses
• colorectal cancer

Both UC and Crohn’s disease are forms of IBD, which is one of the most common causes of tenesmus. These chronic conditions cause long-term inflammation in all or some parts of your GI (digestive) tract.

Crohn’s disease and UC cause ulcerations that scar your GI tract. This scarring can make it harder for you to pass your stool, leading to symptoms like tenesmus.

If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerations can spread throughout your GI tract. In the case of ulcerative colitis, these ulcers are located only in your colon and rectum.

The cause of IBD isn’t known. You’re more likely to develop IBD if you also have a relative with the disease. Doctors also believe that your digestive tract could become inflamed if your immune system overreacts when fighting off an invading organism, such as bacteria or viruses.

Other common symptoms of IBD include:

• weight loss
• fatigue
• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• abdominal pain
• rectal bleeding

To diagnose the cause of tenesmus, your doctor will likely do a physical exam. They’ll also ask about any other symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as weight loss or bloody stools.

Tests you’ll receive to diagnose tenesmus will depend on what your doctor thinks is the most likely cause of this symptom.

Some tests that may be used to identify the causes of tenesmus include:

• endoscopy
• colonoscopy
• imaging studies, such as:
  • radiography
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • computed tomography (CT)
• assessment of stool samples, to check for infections
• blood tests
• anorectal manometry

Many of these same tests are also used to diagnose IBS and colorectal cancer.

If your doctor suspects you may have an STI, they may take a culture (sample) from the rectum and run bloodwork.

The treatment for tenesmus depends on the cause behind this symptom.

Treatment at home

If IBD, IBS, constipation, or a motility disorder is causing your symptoms, you can help relieve your cramps and discomfort by making some diet and lifestyle changes. These home treatment options also double as tenesmus prevention methods.

Changes to your diet

Eating a high fiber diet is one of the best ways to relieve tenesmus that’s caused by IBS or constipation. Consuming at least 20 grams of fiber every day will make your stool softer and add weight to it. This helps your body pass the stool more easily.

If tenesmus is caused by IBD, certain high fiber foods can actually trigger symptoms. Your doctor may instead help you identify trigger foods that you should avoid, especially during an IBD flare.

Drinking more water

Drinking enough water is important in making sure your stool is soft as well.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of water daily for women and 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water daily for men.

Keep in mind these are very general recommendations, and everyone’s needs are different.

Physical activity

Physical activity stimulates movement in your intestines. Exercising regularly can help your tenesmus by helping your intestines move waste through your GI tract, particularly if you have IBS or constipation.

Bowel training

If your tenesmus is linked to constipation, your doctor may recommend bowel training. This may involve:

• setting a schedule for bowel movements every day, often within an hour of eating breakfast
• giving yourself time to use the restroom
• using the bathroom whenever you have an urge to go
• relaxing your muscles when you try to pass stool

Medical treatment

Medical treatments will vary depending on the cause of your tenesmus.

IBD

Medical treatment of IBD is aimed at stopping the inflammation causing your symptoms. The following medications might be prescribed:

• Anti-inflammatory medications that reduce your inflammation are usually the first step in treatment. Corticosteroids and aminosalicylates are common examples.
• Medications that reduce immune system activity can also be used to treat IBD. These might include immunomodulators or biologic therapies.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed due to gastrointestinal infection or very rare, complex IBD cases as a last resort.

Infections

If your tenesmus is linked to an infection of your GI tract, your doctor might treat your condition with antibiotics. Most STIs are also treated with antibiotics.

If a virus is the cause, antibiotics won’t work.

Constipation

If constipation led to your tenesmus, laxatives, stool softeners, or fiber supplements might be an option for you. Or your doctor may prescribe another medication that can help make your bowel movements more regular.

Rectal prolapse

Research from 2015 suggested tricyclic antidepressants may be effective in treating tenesmus in people with rectal prolapse. However, this was a very small study, and this treatment would be considered “off label.”

The typical treatment for rectal prolapse is surgery.

Tenesmus is the urgent feeling that you need to have frequent bowel movements. But even with pushing and straining, you might not be able to pass much stool.

Tenesmus can be a sign of several health issues, so it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing this condition frequently.

What’s Causing My Sweet Smelling Poop?

“Sweet smelling” is not often a description associated with human stool, although there is a bacterial infection that can result in a recognizable sickeningly sweet excrement: Clostridioides difficile infection.

Sometimes, when a person is prescribed antibiotic therapy, the normal intestinal ecosystem is disrupted. And these changes can lead to bacterial infections and chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases.

One such bacterial infection could come from Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile, also known as C. difficile, a toxin-producing anaerobic bacterium that causes antibiotic-associated colitis. C. diff infection (CDI) often includes:

• cramps
• fever
• diarrhea
• nausea
• leukocytosis (white cells above the normal range in the blood)

Another clinical feature sometimes accompanying CDI is a sweet stool odor often likened to horse manure.

Although any antibiotic can result in susceptibility to CDI, the antibiotics most frequently implicated with CDI are:

• cephalosporins
• clindamycin
• fluoroquinolones
• penicillins

Other risk factors include:

• age over 65
• recent hospitalization
• proton pump inhibitor use

A study was undertaken in 2013 to train a beagle to identify the distinct smell of C. difficile. The dog was able to correctly identify 25 of the 30 cases of CDI and 265 of 270 of the non-infected control group.

It has been a long-standing urban myth that nurses can identify patients with C. diff solely by the odor of their stool. A 2007 study concluded that, based on 138 nursing staff surveys, nurses were 55 percent sensitive and 83 percent specific in diagnosing C. diff by the smell of patients’ diarrhea.

A follow-up study in 2013, in a controlled laboratory setting concluded that nurses are not able to identify stool samples with C. diff by odor.

The study suggested that the results were different because in previous studies the nurses were not properly blinded and could observe the characteristics of the patients and their stool during the sniff test.

Urban legend disproven.

If your stool has become noticeably more foul smelling, it could be due to something you ate. According to University of California San Diego Health, meat and spicy food will often result in a strong unpleasant odor.

Other potent offenders may include cruciferous vegetables, fatty and sugary processed foods, and eggs.

Also, consistently noxious stool could be an indication of an underlying medical condition such as:

• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• infection
• lactose intolerance
• malabsorption
• pancreatitis
• ulcerative colitis

If your stool odor has become consistently more unpleasant, talk about it with your doctor.

If you have Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection (CDI), it can result in diarrhea that has an unusual odor that some might describe as sickeningly sweet. High risk factors for CDI include being over the age of 65, having recently been hospitalized, and having finished a course of antibiotics.

If you match that description and are having intestinal discomfort, especially if you notice sweet smelling poop, talk to your doctor about the possibility of CDI.

False urge to defecate – causes, symptoms in men and women | Medical Center

Multidisciplinary Medical Center MedProsvet
St. Petersburg, Engels Ave. 147 building 1
+7 (812) 374-84-00

False urge to defecate – a symptom of damage to the digestive system, characterized by frequent painful urge to go to the toilet “in a big way” without subsequent excretion of feces. The scientific name for these urges is tenesmus. The problem significantly affects the life of a person and can temporarily maladjust him. Beyond that, tenesmus cannot exist on its own, but is merely a specific syndrome of many (sometimes dangerous) gastrointestinal disorders.

Multidisciplinary medical center “MedProsvet” employs proctologists, endoscopists and gastroenterologists with many years of experience. The use of modern diagnostic equipment allows doctors to quickly find out the cause of pseudo-urges and choose the optimal treatment.

Symptoms

Tenesmus of the rectum is usually accompanied by severe cutting or drawing pains in the lower abdomen. The pain is spastic, that is, it comes and goes in a paroxysmal manner.

Particularly intense pain is felt in the area of ​​the sphincter, where erosion of the skin and intestinal mucosa may subsequently appear. If untreated, the frequency of attacks can increase, and the intensity of pain can increase.

Due to false urges, a person is forced to constantly go to the toilet, but the act of defecation does not occur. In the process, a small amount of feces, mucus or blood may be released.

Causes of tenesmus

Normally, the process of defecation starts when the intestinal walls are irritated by feces. If there are urges, but defecation does not occur, the intestines are irritated for other reasons. Consider the main causes of false urge to defecate.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids is a pathology characterized by the formation of varicose nodes around the rectum. The disease is accompanied by dilation and tortuosity of the veins, often accompanied by an inflammatory process and thrombosis. Thus, false urges to the toilet occur due to the protrusion of the veins into the intestinal lumen.

The main causes of hemorrhoids include: physical inactivity, excessive physical activity and sedentary work.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome can be suspected by intense pain in the abdomen and impaired stool. This often results in painful tenesmus. Irritable bowel syndrome develops against the background of stress, malnutrition and hormonal failure.

Proctitis

Proctitis is a chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. The disease is accompanied by discomfort, pain, burning and itching in the rectal area, as well as tenesmus. The stool may contain mucus, pus, or blood.

The disease develops due to frequent consumption of spicy foods, parasitic diseases, intestinal infections, alcohol abuse

Sigmoiditis

Sigmoiditis is an inflammatory process of the sigmoid colon. The main symptoms of the disease include: pain on the left side of the lower abdomen, bloating, loose stools with mucus and false urges. The appearance of tenesmus signals an active inflammatory process.

The disease occurs due to the abnormal structure of the sigmoid colon, infection, irritation or mechanical damage to this part of the intestine.

Dysbacteriosis

One of the main signs of dysbacteriosis is abdominal pain, diarrhea, streaks and blood clots in the feces. In addition, there is often an urge to defecate without feces. The disease is caused by the penetration of pathogens into the human gastrointestinal tract.

Anal fissures

This pathology occurs more often in women and is characterized by damage to the skin and mucous membranes of the anus. The occurrence of cracks is associated with constipation, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and mechanical injuries. Often, pathology develops in women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Benign and malignant neoplasms

The most common neoplasms that provoke false urges are:

1. Polyps are tumor-like neoplasms of the intestinal mucosa. May be single or multiple. In tissues, cell division is activated, which is accompanied by the formation of polyps with or without atypia.
2. Adenomas are benign tumors of glandular tissue.
3. Adenocarcinoma – cancerous tumors that develop from glandular cells lining the intestines.

Other reasons

Pregnancy is a wonderful stage in the life of every woman. However, in some cases, the expectant mother has problems with the intestines. So, pregnant women often complain that they are constantly pulling to the toilet “for the most part.” This unpleasant symptom is quite understandable – during gestation, the uterus exerts strong pressure on the intestines and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which causes a false desire to empty.

Also, this condition may be of a psychological nature. Tenesmus is a frequent companion of stress, neuroses and, in rare cases, disorders of the nervous system.

Diagnosis

The main thing in the treatment of false urge to defecate is to eliminate not only the symptom, but also the cause of its occurrence. To do this, before prescribing treatment, the doctors of MedProsvet send the patient for a comprehensive diagnosis of the body, including the following studies:

1. Laboratory diagnostics:

• blood when detecting pathological changes)
• Coprogram
• Fecal occult blood test
• Giardia test (fecal antigen test) Giardia lamblia, antigen
• Screening for helminthiases (Opisthorchis IgG, Toxocara IgG, Trichinella IgG, Echinococcus IgG)

Laboratory examination of feces allows one to judge the nature of the pathological process in the intestines. So, for example, the detection of streaks or blood clots can signal a severe intestinal lesion.

2. Colonoscopy. These are endoscopic diagnostic methods that allow you to examine the intestinal mucosa using a small camera that is inserted through the anus. During the research, the doctor may take a biopsy – a small piece of the intestinal wall for further diagnosis.

3. MRI or CT. Additional instrumental diagnostic methods are necessary in difficult diagnostic situations. With their help, the doctor examines the structure of the abdominal organs in layers, thereby determining and clarifying the localization of pathological changes.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of false bowel movements in men and women. After carefully studying the results obtained during the research, the doctors of our clinic individually select the methods of therapy. Conservative (medical treatment) may be used or additional procedures may be required.

The purpose of drug therapy is to restore intestinal motility, relieve inflammation, eliminate infection and normalize the microflora. To do this, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, wound healing, antidiarrheal, or laxatives in the form of tablets, creams, or suppositories. In addition, the patient is prescribed drugs that reduce the frequency and intensity of urges, as well as relieve pain.

In some cases, manipulation may be required – removal of polyps, removal of hemorrhoids, etc.

An integral part of the treatment of tenesmus is the observance of the principles of proper nutrition. A person needs to consume a sufficient amount of drinking water (at least 1.5 liters), exclude sour, spicy, highly salted, smoked and fried foods that irritate the intestinal mucosa. Recommended fractional meals in small portions 5-6 times a day. The diet should be soups, cereals, lean meat in boiled or stewed form.

Where to go in case of false urges?

If you experience a false urge to defecate, you should immediately seek help from a medical facility. In the multidisciplinary clinic “MedProsvet” you will be met by doctors with many years of professional experience. Diagnostics and treatment are carried out on high-precision equipment, which allows detecting deviations at the earliest stages. The principles of our work are honesty, efficiency, humanity and an individual approach to each patient. Trust your health to professionals!

You can make an appointment by calling the contact numbers of the clinic or by leaving a request for an appointment.

See also:

• Pain in the rectum
• Diagnosis of intestinal diseases
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Potty training

When to start

The normal development of young children is largely determined by proper care for them. The process of potty training is an important stage in the development and maturation of the child, as well as in the formation of his relationship with his parents. Many parents tend to become overly anxious when their child does not develop according to their expectations.

The methods of “early potty training” practiced until recently (during the first year of life) should be considered outdated and non-physiological, since their use does not take into account the degree of maturity of the muscles and nervous system of the child (in particular, the innervation of the bladder and intestines). As a result, learning becomes a long and unproductive process. In addition, when using them, children may experience negative reactions (since education is built on pressure from parents) and somato-neurological dysfunctions, which subsequently is fraught with problems such as constipation, urinary / fecal incontinence, numerous neurotic reactions (including logoneurosis, tics, etc.). .), and upon reaching a certain age – enuresis, overactive bladder and persistent encopresis. Forced potty training at any age can be stressful for both the child and the parent. The described stress becomes even more pronounced if the child is not able to understand or interpret the command received. Attempts to impose on a child such methods based on adult dominance inevitably lead to a delay in the learning process and low efficiency.

The described methods of early potty training are reflex, that is, based on the development of a conditioned reflex, and not a conscious skill. In the process of training, parents determine the signals and “body language” of the child before urination or defecation, similar to how pets are toilet trained. Such techniques are not based on real learning, but on the development of a reflex, and therefore are ineffective. The success of the process depends on whether the adult can recognize the need or desire of the child to go to the toilet (there are no basic elements of learning, and the process is not associative). The “skill” acquired by the child is of a non-permanent nature and can be lost in any stressful situation (for example, illness or moving from an apartment, a quarrel between parents) or other adverse circumstances. Therefore, attempts to force a child to potty train before he reaches physical readiness and / or increased intensity of training in no way accelerate or bring the desired result closer. Successful potty training is the development of a cognitive (conscious) skill or ability that should be centered around the child; it should be positive and entertaining. It is important to remember that an acquired reflex is easily lost if it is not a learned pattern of behavior.

To make the process of potty training quick and easy, parents should be informed about the “child-centered” method.

The “child-centered” or physiological toilet training method is a method that takes into account the degree of maturity of the central nervous system. It is the central nervous system that provides innervation to the muscles, organs of the genitourinary system and the gastrointestinal tract of children. This approach helps parents to understand the child correctly and direct the process of potty training in accordance with the level of development of the child. According to this method, the child becomes the main figure, his self-confidence and self-esteem increase. Training, according to this technique, is designed not only to develop a reflex in a child, but to accelerate the assimilation of relevant information or skills, in the case of potty training, the child’s acquaintance with his own body. The physiological model takes into account three main components of child development: physiological maturity (strengthening the muscles of the sphincter of the bladder and intestines, the necessary development of the central nervous system), psychological and emotional readiness (understanding and desire to follow instructions). According to the literature, a healthy child reaches the required physiological maturity at an average age of 18 to 24 months (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2003).

Up

How a baby’s body works

When potty training a child, you should know that the success of training depends entirely on how ready his body is for it. It has been proven that the child’s body is ready for potty training on average no earlier than 18 months. A child can consciously go to the toilet only when he develops a connection between the nervous system and muscles. This connection is finally formed around the age of 18 months and consists of numerous neural structures that connect the spinal cord with the bladder and intestines. When the bladder or intestines are full, a signal is transmitted along the nerves to the spinal cord, from there to the brain, and the baby understands that he wants to pee or poop. Only then can the child consciously sit on the potty and do their thing. Knowing this, one can come to very significant conclusions, which, however, are quite obvious. The sooner you start the process of potty training, the more effort it will require from you. Potty training is more successful, painless and easier, the higher the level of physiological development of the child. And if you start training when the child’s body is fully prepared for it, you and your child will succeed much faster and easier.

Up

Early successes

True, many patient and active parents manage to achieve excellent results already in the first year of life. Quite often, proud statements are made that a child at 10, 9, 8, even at 7 months old, pees on the “pee-pee” command, and poops only after “ah”. And there is absolutely nothing surprising in this. It is not difficult to achieve the appearance of a conditioned reflex by repeated beeping and aakan, only this reflex is not quite what we need. Why? Yes, because this is the connection between the process of emptying the bladder and the sound “wee-wee. ” And if this sound is pronounced often and for a long time, and if anyway you are not left alone until you pee, then this connection will be established sooner or later. But the chain should be different: not “wee-wee” – filling the bladder – urination, but filling the bladder – a pot – urination. That is, the physiological process (filling the bubble), and not the sound stimulus (“pee-pee”), should become the motive for the potty.

Payback for early success comes in the second year of life. A supposedly capable and developed child, who has been sitting on the potty since the age of 9 months, suddenly, for some “incomprehensible” reasons, stops doing this, and actively fights for his freedom with anxious relatives. And the considerations are very understandable – the time is coming for the formation of that very normal, natural control over secretions, which we have already talked about. The bladder is empty, and they are here climbing with their “wee-wee” … No matter how “amazing success” you have achieved, but before the child is ready for potty training (and this is approximately 18 months), these successes will be temporary, and misses are frequent. And this must be treated very philosophically. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the fact that you will be able to introduce your child to such an interesting thing as a potty. But this acquaintance, at least from the point of view of medical science, will be superficial, and the skills developed are not stable.

Up

How to know if a child is ready

In order for the process to go as smoothly as possible, you should know some signs that indicate the mental and physiological readiness of the child’s body to learn toilet science.

Such signs include:

• establishment of a more or less stable defecation pattern
• keeps diapers dry for more than 2 hours
• knowledge of body parts and names of garments
• knowledge or understanding of the words “pee” and “poop”
• demonstration of negative emotions from being in soiled diapers
• desire to dress and undress independently
• desire to imitate adults
• interest in the toilet room and the processes taking place there

And, finally, the most reliable sign: the ability to convey the word “I want” to parents in any way – with a word, facial expressions, gestures. And not because it will be easier for mom and she will have time to put the child on the pot – this indicates that the baby has learned to communicate!

Up

10 Rules for Successful Potty Training

Is your baby about 18 months old? Did you notice any of the above signs of readiness in his behavior? So, you can start mastering a new complex science. Let’s get started.

1. In addition to the readiness of the child, there must also be the readiness of adults. Obviously, at the stage of transition from a diaper to a potty, the time spent on direct communication with the baby increases markedly. It is impossible to develop toilet skills only on Sundays or only on those days when an official visit from the grandmother is expected.

2. A child, like any adult, is prone to mood swings. Early toilet training is best done when all family members are healthy and cheerful.

3. Buy a comfortable and … warm potty – a cold seat can spoil your relationship with the potty for a long time. The seat should repeat the anatomical curves, it is desirable to have a comfortable back (such pots are called physiological). First of all, wash the pot and put it in the room with the crumbs so that it becomes a familiar item for him.

4. Getting to know the potty. We offer it to the child when the probability of a “process” is maximum – after sleep, after eating, when he

shows by his behavior that it is time for him.

5. In case of success – very, very praise. In case of failure, we do our best not to be upset, and if we are upset, we do not show grief.

6. We fix attention not only on the potty itself, but also on the actions immediately preceding communication with the potty and parting with it: how to get the potty, how to open it, how to take off the panties, how to put on the panties, how and where to pour the contents from the pot how to wash the pot, how to close the pot and put it back in its place. The implementation of all of the above easily turns into an interesting game. It is wonderful if, after each successful action, parents do not skimp on praise – the whole process in this case is accompanied by positive emotions, and this is perhaps the main thing at the transitional stage.

7. Gradually we organize meetings with the potty not only when it is time for the child, but when the daily routine requires it. For example, without fail we sit down before going to bed, before a walk.

8. You shouldn’t part with diapers completely and irrevocably. They are quite useful for traveling in transport, at night, for a walk in the cool season, at first and during daytime sleep. But every time when we woke up dry and quickly sat down on the potty, we pay attention to what good fellows we are, and in confirmation of this obvious fact, we demonstrate a dry diaper.

9. It is important that the pot is perceived not as a toy, but as an object of a very specific purpose. And in this regard, you should not encourage just playing with the potty. “This is a chair. They sit on it” – and, by analogy, – “This is a pot, they pee and poop on it.”

10. It doesn’t matter: a potty or a toilet (assuming a special child seat). Here’s how you feel more comfortable. Considering that, especially at first, the process can be delayed, the potty is more convenient, since it is more pleasant to communicate in a room than in a cramped toilet space. Combining a potty with a toilet is a perfectly acceptable option, especially for boys. A special stool in the toilet, and peeing from it is just a pleasure and a conscious introduction to the world of adults. And if dad finds time to show how it’s done…

Up

“Baby refuses potty. How to be?

“We are already one year old. Our Anyuta can sit on the potty for a very long time, play, look at books, but she does not do what is necessary. How can we be? Maria

Don’t worry about it. Your daughter is still too young to be potty trained. It is possible to start accustoming a child only when his body is physiologically ready for this – that is, approximately at the age of 18 months. Only by this age does his nervous system form and he begins to realize that he wants to go to the toilet. And now, when your daughter is 1 year old and she is starting to walk, it is very important to help her develop balance and strengthen her back muscles – exercises on a gymnastic ball would be very suitable for this (swaying a baby lying down). 0003

with your back or belly on a ball) or stepping over obstacles (over toys on the floor).

“We started potty training our baby about 3 weeks ago, he seemed to understand everything right away and did everything right, and then he began to refuse, and now he doesn’t even want to come close to him. We are 1.5 years old. Irina

This happens often, and there is nothing to worry about. Try to remember, after which the child began to refuse the potty. Maybe something scared him, or the pot was cold. Pay attention to the situation in the family, think about what has changed in the life of the baby and is he experiencing stress? And if you understand the reason, try to eliminate it. Never force him to sit on the potty. It is best to suspend the learning process for a few weeks and surround the child with attention and affection. Usually, after such a respite, children are ready to reacquaint themselves with the potty.

“Our Katyusha, at 1 year and 7 months old, does not use the potty. But she is very interested in everything that happens in the bathroom. When one of us goes there, every time she tries to break in and see what we are doing there. Is this normal? Daria

Don’t worry! This is absolutely normal, moreover, this interest of your daughter indicates her readiness for potty training. If she is now ignoring the learning process, take a close look at my rules for successful potty training and make sure

You are doing everything right. And if a mistake was made somewhere and the pot now causes negative emotions in the child, stop and start learning again. Take advantage of her curiosity about adult behavior. It is known that kids are very fond of imitating adults. Buy your daughter a baby toilet seat and show her how to use the toilet. After that, most likely she herself will want to act like an adult and do the same.

Up

6 most common misconceptions

1. “It seems to me that the sooner I start teaching the baby to use the potty, the sooner he will learn to do it. Is it so?”

You, like all parents, want only the best for your child and try to develop all his abilities as early as possible. But in such a matter as potty training, you should not rush. The earlier you start, the longer and more difficult this process will be for the child. After all, he will be able to control his bladder and intestines only when his body is sufficiently developed – an average of 18 months. And if you start learning at the right age, then the child will learn much faster and easier and will be able to be proud of his achievement. And you will be proud of it!

2. “Is it true that if a baby wears disposable diapers all the time in which he does not feel that he is wet, then it is more difficult to teach him to use the potty?”

No matter what diapers your baby wears, or if he wears them at all, he will learn to use the potty when his body is ready. In support of this, there are the results of studies that compared the behavior of two groups of children – in the first group, babies wore traditional gauze diapers from birth, and in the second – disposable diapers. In both groups, the age at which the babies stopped completely needing diapers was exactly the same – an average of 27 months (E. Takanashi, 1988, Japan). Therefore, it is safe to say that the use of disposable dry surface diapers does not affect the ability of babies to learn to use the potty and the age when they can do it.

3. “I’m afraid to wear diapers on my 3-month-old son, because I heard that they can lead to infertility due to the greenhouse effect”

First, the reproductive system in boys begins to develop only at the age of 7-9 years. At the age of 7, spermatozoa precursor cells appear, and the spermatozoa themselves can be detected not earlier than at 10 years old, but as a rule, much later. From this it is clear that diapers cannot affect the quality of sperm in any way – boys at this age do not have it in principle. There are also a number of studies that confirm that disposable diapers do not create a greenhouse effect – the temperature under the diaper is practically the same as the skin temperature in ordinary diapers, and the humidity level under the diaper is much lower than when using diapers. Therefore, to sum up: disposable diapers and boys are compatible.

4. “My daughter is 1 year old. I know it’s too early to potty train her, but I’m very worried that we won’t have time to learn before kindergarten.”

No matter what age you start potty training your child, there is no guarantee that she will learn to do it before kindergarten. After all, all children are potty trained at about the same time. Therefore, if you start teaching at an early age, this will not help speed up the process, but on the contrary, the training will be delayed – the child will not understand what they want from him, she will be upset because of this, and you too. And if you start when the child’s body is ready for this, then you and your baby will achieve success much faster and easier, and the child will already understand that this is his achievement and will be proud of it.

5. “Many of my friends in the yard say that their babies go to the potty at the age of 9, 8, and even at 6 months. My daughter is 1 year old, I tried to teach her, but nothing comes of it. Maybe I’m doing something wrong? Why can’t my child learn as quickly as other children?

Tatyana, I understand that you, like all other parents, compare your child with other people’s children and try to prove that yours is no worse. I want to reassure you – at such an early age, children are simply physically unable to consciously go to the potty. Their nervous system is not yet sufficiently developed to give signals about a full bladder or intestines. Until the age of 1.5, they go to the toilet without realizing it or noticing it. And you can not influence it in any way and accelerate the development of the child.

Your girlfriends most likely keep silent about the fact that their babies sit on the potty and listen to endless “pee-pee” and “ah-ah” for 30-40 minutes, and by this time the child’s even empty bladder is full, and they pissing in a pot. And this leads to the development of a conditioned reflex to the mother’s requests to pee or poop. But in the second year of life, this reflex suddenly disappears for the parents. And only then the child begins to consciously learn to go to the potty.

So remember that everything, especially potty stuff, has its time.

6. “My mother thinks that using diapers is better for our baby’s health than diapers. Is it true?”

Such prejudices of the older generation towards diapers are due to the fact that earlier these hygiene products were simply not available. And today, grandmothers, who are often suspicious of everything new, find it difficult to appreciate the merits of diapers. Although, if we compare diapers with diapers, then the advantages of the first are obvious – the wet surface of the diapers causes irritation and skin diseases, and in cold weather, the duration of the baby’s walks in diapers is significantly reduced. The Union of Pediatricians of Russia conducted clinical studies, and the results showed that the moisture content of the baby’s skin in diapers is much lower than in diapers.