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According to statistics provided by the National Institutes of Health, it is likely that one of these women has some form of pelvic floor dysfunction.
We don’t blame anyone if you are surprised by the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders. It’s not like women are always talking about pelvic floor issues with their friends. While no one should feel ashamed of their health, signs and symptoms related to pelvic dysfunction can cause both emotional and physical distress.
What is the pelvic, why do pelvic problems occur so often, how can you detect a problem, and what are some ways to improve pelvic health? District Performance & Physio, Washington DC’s physical therapy team, is here to share what they believe every woman needs to know about pelvic health.
Pelvic Floor Anatomy 101: First things first.
The pelvic floor muscle is located at the bottom of your abdomen, inside your pelvis. The pelvic floor muscles attach to the pubic bone, the coccyx (tailbone), the sides, and the back of the pelvis. They act as a sling to support the pelvic organs including the bladder, bowel, cervix and vagina.
The pelvic floor muscles form part of the “core” which includes your superficial abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and diaphragm. These muscles work together to maintain pressure in the abdomen and create stability for your spine.
When the pelvic muscles don’t function properly, they can become weak, stretched, too tense or injured. These issues are collectively called pelvic disorders (PFDs). They include bladder and bowel troubles, as well as prolapse of the pelvic organs.
There are many causes of pelvic floor dysfunction.
You might expect that pregnancy and childbirth would be the main causes of pelvic dysfunction. A growing baby bump and labor can cause the pelvic floors to stretch and weaken.
The following are other possible causes of pelvic dysfunction:
- Age advancement
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Constipation with frequent straining and chronic constipation
- People who smoke and have lung disease are more likely to experience chronic coughing.
- Frequent heavy lifting, especially if it is done in a less than ideal posture or breathing pattern
- Some health conditions including endometriosis, menopause and other reproductive disorders
- Infections, injuries and/or surgery in the pelvic region
The signs and symptoms of pelvic dysfunction vary depending on the woman.
It’s easy to miss a problem in these muscles because you can’t see them. There are several signs and symptoms to watch out for.
- Accidental leakage of urine (stress incontinence), particularly when sneezing or coughing, laughing or jumping, or lifting objects.
- Urinary urgency is when you feel like you have to go to the toilet a lot, or are unable to do so on time.
- Uncomplete emptying of your bladder (you feel like you can’t completely empty your bladder even when you go to the bathroom)
- Dysuria (pain while urinating)
- Constipation
- Having difficulty controlling your bowel or gas
- Recurrent urinary infections
- The vaginal or rectum may feel heavy, bulging or pressure. Some women can even see or feel something bulging from their vagina.
- If you have pain in your lower back, pelvis or genitals and it is not easily explained by another health condition, then this may be a sign of a serious problem.
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
Each woman will experience symptoms that are different in terms of severity, frequency and duration.
Men can also suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. Men can show signs of pelvic dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction and an interruption in the flow when urinating.
Pelvic floor dysfunction IS treatable.
You can improve and protect the health of your pelvic floor. You can use lifestyle changes to improve your pelvic health, or you can seek professional treatment from licensed healthcare professionals who are experts in women’s and pelvic conditions.
Here are some tips to help you if you’re concerned about the health of your pelvic floor.
- Keep a healthy body weight
- A high-fiber diet will encourage regular bowel movements, and you won’t need to strain.
- Avoid foods and beverages that stimulate the bladder. These include carbonated, caffeine-containing, or alcoholic drinks as well as foods with artificial sweeteners and citrus fruits.
- You can get pelvic muscle training by a pelvic physical therapist. This includes Kegel exercises, core strengthening techniques, and other tools and techniques to relax, strengthen and/or improve your coordination of the pelvic muscles.
- Avoid putting excessive strain on your pelvic floors by learning proper lifting techniques and breathing techniques (a physical therapist is also able to help you with this).
- Regular bodywork, like massages, can help relieve physical and mental tension in the entire body.
Some women may benefit from medication and/or surgery in advanced cases to treat their pelvic dysfunction or relieve their symptoms.
Your best bet? Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. You can begin healing sooner if you seek professional help.
