4 y.o.'s bowel movement

[Christy143]

My 4 year old son does not like to have a bowel movement. He will make himself sick from squeezing his butt to keep from having a bowel movement. I constantly am having to change his underwear because he dirtys them so much from not going. What is the problem?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It is very likely that he is reluctant to move his bowels because he anticipates it wuill be uncomfortable/painful.  This results from recurrent constipation. Confer with his pediatrician, who may recommend a regimen of laxative and stool softener. Also, be sure to have him sit on the potty on a schedule.

[selmaS]

  Hi....it may be more than him not liking to go, he may have pain when he goes...do get him to a dr that will do testing for fishers, and other issues...but do talk to ur DS, ask him y he does not like it...ask if he gets pain....and where the pain is.

  Good luck
   "selma"