Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a common condition in which you cannot regulate the muscles of your pelvic floor. Nearly 1 in 3 women experience pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime. The condition can occur at any age for both men and women, although women are more likely to experience it than men. Learn more about how TPMG can help you address pelvic floor dysfunction and provide relief.
What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when your body can’t tighten or relax the muscles of your pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles are all the muscles in the bottom of the pelvis including the bladder, bowel, rectum, prostate (in men), and uterus (in women). These muscles are crucial for routine bodily functions such as urination, bowel movement, and more. When they don’t function properly, you may experience bowel control issues, incontinence, increased wind, and sexual dysfunction.
What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
While the exact cause of pelvic floor dysfunction remains unknown, experts agree some factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. Rick factors include:
- Pelvic muscle overuse/stress injury
- Trauma to the pelvic region
- Pelvic Surgery (hysterectomy, prostatectomy, etc.)
- Vaginal childbirth
- Age
- Emotional or physical stress
- Other health conditions (lupus, endometriosis, obesity, etc.)
- Sexual assault
Symptoms
Signs of a pelvic floor issue include:
- Increased urgency to use the bathroom
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Reduced vaginal sensation
- Recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- Urinary incontinence (often when sneezing, laughing, or exercising)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Constipation
- Fecal incontinence
- Scrotal Pain
- Pain in the lower back/pelvic region
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, contact a TPMG provider today to find treatment to resolve your symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction often involves a multi-disciplinary approach. A combination of physical therapy, medication, at-home exercises, and other treatments can help retrain your pelvic floor muscles and reduce your symptoms. Your treatment may also depend on the cause of the dysfunction. Treatments include:
- Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most common tools used to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. A physical therapist will be able to detect any deficits in your pelvic floor and can provide instruction for different pelvic floor-strengthening exercises and stretches. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) like Kegel exercises can reduce urinary incontinence and improve muscle control.
- Medication
Some individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction require medication to regulate their bowel movements and address bladder control issues.
- Biofeedback Training
Biofeedback training refers to a common treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, often used alongside physical therapy, in which sensors and video monitor the pelvic floor muscles to provide information about any muscle deficits and how best to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
- Lifestyle Modification
There are many ways you can address pelvic floor dysfunction at home. High-fiber diets and limiting foods or drinks that stimulate the bladder can reduce the work your bladder and bowels need to do to digest food. You may also be instructed to avoid activities that put stress on your pelvic floor, such as weightlifting. The lifestyle modifications necessary to reduce your symptoms are often tailored to the individual. For example, those who experience more gas or bloating may not do well with a high-fiber diet. Working with a trusted provider or registered dietician can help you come up with the right diet and routine for your symptoms.
- Nonsurgical/Surgical Intervention
Sometimes pelvic floor dysfunction requires additional intervention in instances of prolapse (a condition that occurs when one or more organs in the pelvic region “slip” or navigate from their normal positions), increased urinary leakage, or bowel control issues. Not all individuals are good candidates for surgical/nonsurgical interventions, so it is important to discuss your unique case with a trusted, trained provider.
Pelvic floor dysfunction rarely resolves on its own and usually requires some form of interventional treatment. To discuss your treatment options, schedule an appointment with a TPMG provider today to learn more.
Take The First Step Toward Relief
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, learn more about how a TPMG provider can give you relief and improve your quality of life.
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