By When it comes to women’s health, reproductive and hormonal issues tend to dominate the conversation. But there’s another topic that deserves far more attention—bowel health. Despite being incredibly common, bowel issues in women are frequently misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or brushed off as “just stress” or “just IBS.” And the consequences can be life-changing. At the heart of this issue is the fact that women’s bowel symptoms often present differently than men’s, and this can lead to delays in diagnosis or inappropriate treatment. Conditions like rectal prolapse, obstructed defecation, endometriosis affecting the bowel, and even colorectal cancers may not be picked up early—especially when symptoms overlap with gynaecological or urinary problems. That’s why a growing number of women are turning to a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne who understands the full picture—a pelvic floor specialist and female surgeon who can take a comprehensive, respectful, and informed approach to diagnosis and treatment.
The Problem: Gender Bias in Bowel Health
Studies from Australia and internationally have shown that women with bowel symptoms are more likely to experience diagnostic delays compared to men. A 2025 study found that women are more likely than men to delay seeking help or be given alternative diagnoses, which can lead to delayed cancer detection. Healthcare professionals may also focus on non-cancer explanations, particularly in women, whose symptoms are often more vague or attributed to other conditions. Other research highlights that women are less likely to undergo timely investigations such as colonoscopies, even when presenting with clear symptoms.
Part of the issue is that women’s anatomy and hormonal fluctuations influence bowel function in complex ways. During menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, changes in hormone levels can affect gut motility and pelvic floor integrity. Despite this, many clinicians are not trained to make the connection between these changes and bowel function.
It’s also common for symptoms to be attributed to gynaecological issues or mental health concerns, especially when there’s no obvious structural problem visible on initial scans or tests. This is where a more integrated and specialist approach is needed.
The Role of a Pelvic Floor Specialist
The pelvic floor is a complex network of muscles, ligaments and nerves that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When it isn’t functioning well, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms: constipation, faecal incontinence, difficulty with evacuation, pelvic pain, and a sense of pressure or bulging.
A pelvic floor specialist is trained to identify these problems through targeted investigations like defecating proctograms, endoanal ultrasounds, and pelvic floor assessments. They also work closely with pelvic floor physiotherapists and gynaecologists to ensure all aspects of a woman’s pelvic health are assessed—not just the bowels in isolation.
For women who have had babies, undergone gynaecological surgery, or are entering menopause, this approach is especially important. These life stages are well known to affect the pelvic floor—and in turn, bowel function.
Why It Matters to See a Female Surgeon
For many women, speaking about bowel symptoms can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable. There may be feelings of shame or fear of not being taken seriously. This is where a female surgeon can make a significant difference.
While all surgeons are trained to provide compassionate care, some patients simply feel more at ease discussing intimate concerns with another woman—especially when those concerns involve childbirth injuries, pelvic floor disorders, rectal pain, or bowel leakage.
Having a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne who is also a female surgeon and a pelvic floor specialist ensures a deeper understanding of the unique ways female anatomy and physiology influence bowel health. It also means more women feel seen, heard, and empowered to take action.
Changing the Conversation—and the Outcomes
The good news is that things are changing. There is growing awareness of how critical it is to address bowel health in women through a gender-specific lens. Clinics in Melbourne and across Australia are beginning to offer multidisciplinary care models that bring together colorectal surgeons, pelvic floor specialists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals to deliver personalised care.
When women are given access to early and accurate diagnosis by a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne who is a female surgeon and pelvic floor specialist, the results can be life-changing. From improved quality of life to reduced pain, fewer bathroom emergencies, and a return to daily activities without anxiety—early intervention matters.
The Bottom Line: It’s Time to Listen to Women
For too long, women’s bowel health has been overlooked, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. But that’s changing—thanks to passionate healthcare professionals who specialise in female anatomy, listen without judgement, and take the time to investigate thoroughly.
If you’re experiencing bowel symptoms, know this: you’re not alone, and help is available. Seeing a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne who is also a pelvic floor specialist and female surgeon can be the first step towards answers, relief, and better health.