ARTICLE TYPE : REVIEW ARTICLE
Published on : 13 Feb 2026, Volume - 2
Journal Title :
WebLog Journal of Nursing | WebLog J Nurs
Source URL: 
https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjnr.2026.b1305
Permanent Identifier (DOI) : 
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18795720
Bowel Motility and Bladder Disorders (BBD) and Menstrual Disorders in Toddlers and Teenagers: A Holistic, Developmentally ‑ Attuned Review
2Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
3Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman
4Santa Casa de Tatui General Hospital, 330 Maneco Pereira Road, Tatui 18273000, Sao Paulo, Brazil
5J. Watumull Global Hospital & Research Centre, Delwara Road, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501, India
6Department of Pediatric Surgery, PGICHR and KTCGUH, Rajkot 360001, Gujarat, India
Abstract
Objectives: To synthesise current evidence on Bowel motility and Bladder Disorders (BBD) and menstrual disorders across early childhood through adolescence, highlighting shared pathophysiology, psychosocial determinants, and opportunities for integrated, holistic management. T he review emphasises developmental transitions, family context, and system‑level approaches relevant to paediatric and adolescent care.
Design: Narrative review of contemporary literature, integrating biomedical, behavioural, developmental, and psychosocial perspectives. Sources include paediatric gastroenterology, urology, gynaecology, developmental psychology, and primary care research.
Eligibility Criteria: Peer‑reviewed studies, guidelines, and consensus statements addressing BBD, functional constipation, urinary incontinence, dysfunctional voiding, early‑onset dysmenorrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and menstrual irregularities in children aged 1‑19 years.
Results: BBD and menstrual disorders share overlapping mechanisms including autonomic dysregulation, pelvic floor dysfunction, gut–bladder cross‑sensitisation, and psychosocial stress. Toddlers often present with functional constipation and daytime wetting linked to toilet‑training challenges, behavioural avoidance, and family routines. Teenagers experience a shift toward hormonally mediated disorders, including primary dysmenorrhoea, anovulatory cycles, and pain‑amplification syndromes. Across ages, adverse childhood experiences, neurodevelopmental conditions, and school stressors contribute to symptom persistence. Holistic management ‑ combining behavioural interventions, pelvic floor physiotherapy, nutritional optimisation, menstrual education, and family‑centred coaching ‑ improves outcomes and reduces unnecessary medicalisation.
Conclusions: A developmental, biopsychosocial approach is essential for managing BBD and menstrual disorders in toddlers and teenagers. Early identification, coordinated care, and empowerment of families and schools can reduce chronicity and improve quality of life. Future research should prioritise integrated care pathways, trauma‑informed practice, and co‑designed interventions with young people and caregivers.
Keywords: Bowel Motility Disorders; Bladder Dysfunction; Paediatric Continence; Menstrual Disorders; Dysmenorrhoea; Adolescence; Holistic Care; Biopsychosocial Model
Citation
Zaparackaite I, Singh SJ, Bhattacharya DC, Correia RC, Mehta AR, Midha PK, et al. Bowel Motility and Bladder Disorders (BBD) and Menstrual Disorders in Toddlers and Teenagers: A Holistic, Developmentally - Attuned Review. WebLog J Nurs. wjnr.2026. b1305 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18795720