Table of Contents
What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Disfunction of the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues is a recognized medical disorder. The rectum, uterus, and bladder all rely on these muscles for support. When these muscles become injured or weak, the result is pelvic floor dysfunction.
Urinary incontinence (leaking of urine), fecal incontinence (lack of bowel control), or both can be symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pain during sex is one example of sexual dysfunction.
The causes for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction vary depending on several factors like childbirth, menopause, obesity; chronic coughing caused by conditions like asthma or bronchitis; surgery involving the pelvis area; certain medications; nerve damage etc.
People with this condition may experience symptoms such as difficulty urinating or having bowel movements, frequent urination, painful sex or discomfort during orgasm among others.
See a doctor if you have any reason to suspect you may be suffering from Pelvic Floor Dysfunction; they can conduct a comprehensive examination to confirm the diagnosis and then recommend a course of therapy, which we will go over below.
Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Both men and women are equally susceptible to developing pelvic floor dysfunction. The bladder, uterus, rectum, and other pelvic organs rely on the support of the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur if these muscles are injured or become weak.
One of the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction is pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, hormonal changes loosen the ligaments and tissues that support the pelvic organs, leading to weakened pelvic muscles. Similarly, vaginal delivery puts significant pressure on these muscles which can cause injury or tearing.
In addition to pregnancy and childbirth, aging is another factor that contributes to weak pelvic floor muscles. As we age, our muscle mass decreases naturally; hence weakening our overall physical strength including those in our pelvis region.
Over time, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken owing to things like chronic constipation or straining during bowel motions..
Finally yet importantly obesity adds extra weight around your abdomen area which puts a lot of strain on your pelvis region resulting into weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM).
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction can be difficult because the symptoms are typically nonspecific and easy to mistake for those of other diseases. However, pelvic floor dysfunction may be present if you suffer any of the following symptoms.
Urinary incontinence or leaking is a typical symptom. This indicates that urination is lost involuntarily whenever there is physical exertion, such as when laughing, sneezing, or coughing. Having trouble urinating or a weak stream when you do is another sign..
Pelvic pain is also commonly associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. This pain may occur during intercourse or bowel movements and may feel like pressure in the pelvis area.
Constipation and difficulty emptying your bowels are another potential sign of pelvic floor dysfunction. You may also experience frequent constipation despite making dietary changes to improve digestion.
Talk to your doctor about the various reasons of your symptoms if you also have back pain or hip and thigh pain, and they can advise you on the best course of therapy..
Diagnosis of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Diagnosis of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction involves a thorough physical examination and medical history review. The doctor may ask questions about the patient’s bowel and bladder habits, sexual function, and any other symptoms related to pelvic pain or discomfort.
Additionally, imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound might be recommended to identify any structural abnormalities or defects in the pelvic region. Electromyography (EMG) test can also be performed to evaluate muscle activity in the pelvic floor.
The doctor may choose to perform a pelvic exam to evaluate the health of your pelvic floor muscles. This can be done either by observing the variations in pressure within the pelvis with your fingers or by using specialist equipment.
Patients suffering symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction should consult a doctor as soon as possible so a correct diagnosis may be made and treatment can begin. Complications include UTIs, fecal incontinence, and chronic pain syndrome might develop if a diagnosis is delayed..
Treatment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The good news is that there are ways to address pelvic floor dysfunction. The severity and origin of your ailment will determine the course of treatment you receive.
Physical therapy is frequently used as a treatment option for pelvic floor dysfunction. Your pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened and relaxed with the help of a physical therapist. Physical therapy may be supplemented with biofeedback treatment, which use sensors to monitor muscle activity and provide real-time feedback on exercise form.
Medication may be provided to aid with symptoms like pain or urgency in the need to urinate. If your doctor suspects that constipation is exacerbating your disease, he or she may prescribe an over-the-counter laxative or stool softener.
Surgical correction of pelvic floor dysfunction may be required in extreme situations. It may entail fixing an organ that has prolapsed or eliminating scar tissue that is producing issues.
It is crucial that you work closely with your healthcare professional to determine the best way to treating your symptoms, as not all therapies are effective for everyone.
Prevention of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
It is crucial to avoid developing pelvic floor dysfunction in the first place. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and developing and adhering to healthy bowel and bladder routines are just a few of the steps people may take to reduce their risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction.
By relieving stress on the pelvic organs, which can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, maintaining a healthy weight will lessen the likelihood of developing the condition. Regular exercise can also enhance muscular tone and strength in the pelvic region.
Constipation can be avoided by eating high-fiber foods, drinking enough of water, and not straining during bowel motions; these are all examples of good bowel hygiene. Like excellent eating habits, good bladder habits include not holding in urine for extended periods of time.
Heavy lifting should be avoided throughout pregnancy and for some time after delivering to prevent injury or weakening of the pelvic muscles. Stress is a known contributor to pelvic floor dysfunction, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help alleviate this problem.
Taking steps towards preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is crucial for maintaining overall health. By following these simple tips mentioned above individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing this condition.
Conclusion
Many people, especially women, suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. The good news is that, depending on the degree of symptoms, it can be treated with a variety of therapies, such as Kegel exercises, medication, or surgery.
If you’ve been experiencing pelvic-area discomfort for a while, you should consult a doctor. Preventing the onset of this ailment is as simple as keeping a healthy weight and staying away from activities that strain the pelvic area..
Remember, taking care of your pelvis should not be overlooked! With proper diagnosis and treatment options available for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, there’s no reason why anyone suffering from this issue shouldn’t have a healthier life ahead!