About Pelvic Floor Disorders
The causes of pelvic floor disorders include:
- Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
- Older age
- Obesity
- Strenuous work or exercise that increases intra-abdominal pressure
Non-modifiable risk factors of pelvic floor disorders are:
- Age
- Overweight
- Multiparity (multiple births)
Modifiable risk factors of pelvic floor disorders include:
- Vaginal childbirth
- Chronic cough
- Obesity
- Constipation
These factors can lead to the weakening of pelvic supportive tissues and contribute to the development of pelvic floor disorders.
Common symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder include:
- Incontinence (inability to control the flow of urine or stool)
- A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
- A bulge around the vagina in women
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Constipation
- A frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
In later stages of pelvic floor disorders, other common symptoms may occur, such as:
- Urinary issues like the urge to urinate or painful urination
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the pelvic region, genitals, or rectum
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Pressure in the pelvic region or rectum
- Muscle spasms in the pelvis
To diagnose pelvic floor disorders, healthcare professionals will obtain a detailed medical history and commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Clinical evaluation: The doctor will conduct a physical exam, focusing on the pelvic area. They may try to feel for any swelling near the ovaries. They will also take a full history to learn about any symptoms or contributing factors related to your condition.
- Urological ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the urinary tract to rule out the presence of any anal and rectal lesions.
- Rectal examination: This examination is performed to check for any abnormalities in the rectum and anus.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures to determine the stage or severity of pelvic floor disorders may include:
- Anorectal manometry: Measures muscle contractions in the rectum
- Cystoscopy: Involves inserting a camera into the bladder to assess function
- Electromyography: Evaluates muscle function in the pelvis and rectum
- Defecography: In this test, a thick paste is used to assess bowel movements through imaging scans
The goals of treating pelvic floor disorders are to relax the pelvic floor muscles, making bowel movements easier and providing more control. Treatments may include:
- Medication: Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help with symptoms by preventing the muscles from contracting.
- Therapeutic procedures: Biofeedback is a common treatment technique where special sensors monitor muscle activity, helping improve muscle coordination.
- Lifestyle behavior changes: Avoiding pushing or straining during bowel movements can reduce strain on pelvic floor muscles. Relaxation techniques like yoga, stretching, and warm baths can also help relax the muscles.
- Other treatments: Surgery is an option for some cases of pelvic floor disorders, but less invasive options like biofeedback are often preferred.
Treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disorder, and reduce complications. It may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions.
By seeking early treatment and following a personalized treatment plan, individuals can experience symptom relief, improved quality of life, and better management of their condition. It's essential to consult healthcare providers for proper diagnosis and individualized treatment recommendations.
Pelvic floor disorders can worsen over time if left untreated. The natural progression may lead to increased symptoms and difficulties with daily activities. Common complications of pelvic floor disorders include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Chronic bladder diseases
- Pelvic pain
These complications can significantly impact a person's quality of life and overall well-being.