Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The inability to have control over the muscles of your pelvic region is what is medically termed pelvic floor dysfunction. The Pelvic floor groups all muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region. It acts as a sling to provide firm support to organs in the pelvis including the bladder, uterus and rectum. The contracting and relaxing the muscles in this region provides the individual with complete control over bowel movement, urination and sexual intercourse (women particularly).

In case of a pelvic floor dysfunction, the woman contracts the muscles more instead of relaxing them, causing difficulty in having a bowel movement. If left untreated, this can lead to long-term colon damage, infection and discomfort.

Symptoms

• Several symptoms are associated with pelvic floor dysfunction and the following symptoms are commonly observed.
• Painful urination or a continuous urge to urinate
• Constipation or bowel strain
• Pain in the rectum or pelvic region
• Lower back pain
• Women may face discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Spasms of the pelvic muscle
• Pressure in the pelvic region or rectum

Causes

Doctors link pelvic floor dysfunction with conditions that tear the pelvic muscles or the connective tissues and researchers are still working on finding the exact causes, The following are the common causes of this condition.

• Childbirth
• Obesity
• Nerve damage
• Pelvic surgery
• Traumatic injury

Diagnosis

If one is experiencing any of the symptoms, it is advisable to consult a specialist considering that there may be a more serious condition that needs the doctors’ attention. During a diagnosis, the doctor will go through the patient’s medical history thoroughly and observe each symptom. Post initial consultation, the doctor will proceed for physical evaluation to check for knots or muscle spasms along with muscle weakness.

Doctors also conduct an internal exam by placing a perineometer which is a small, sensing device in the rectum or vagina to check for pelvic muscle control and contractions. Additionally, another more invasive option is placing electrodes on the perineum, the portion between scrotum and anus or vagina and anus to ensure if one can contract and relax their pelvic muscles.

Treatment

The aim of treating a patient with pelvic floor dysfunction is to ease the pelvic floor muscles enabling easier bowel movements and gain better control. Techniques like Kegel exercises demand you to contract your muscles and hence won’t be advisable for seeing great improvement in this condition. Apart from the surgery, there are various other treatment options available that are less invasive such as biofeedback. This technique is helpful to your therapist who can monitor the way you relax or contract your pelvic muscles through dedicated sensors. Once all the muscles activity is observed, the therapist can then work further on improving the coordination.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of highly qualified and dedicated specialists with expertise in various aspects related to maternity and gynaecological conditions related to teenagers and women. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to periods, urinary tract, bowel movement, or abdomen, do take an appointment with our specialist for a detailed investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. We will work towards helping you with an active life.