Stool withholding is a protective ‘reflex’ to prevent pain. Stool-withholding children live their lives under a cloud of fear – trying to avoid this unbearable sensation but knowing that they can’t do it forever. Treatment requires sensitivity and understanding. The aim of treatment is not just to get the poo out – but more importantly to change the stoolwithholding habit. This can take a long time.

Stool withholding is a protective ‘reflex’ to prevent
pain.
Stool-withholding children live their lives under a
cloud of fear – trying to avoid this unbearable
sensation but knowing that they can’t do it forever.
Treatment requires sensitivity and understanding.
The aim of treatment is not just to get the poo out –
but more importantly to change the stoolwithholding
habit. This can take a long time.