The pelvic floor consists of muscles supporting the rectum. Contracting and relaxing of pelvic muscles controls the bladder and bowel functions. The muscles are also responsible for sexual intercourse in women. Therefore, when they fail to function as they should, affected individuals experience various symptoms, including urinary incontinence. MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists offer pelvic floor therapy in Boca Raton to help patients regain control of their bowel and bladder movements. Book an appointment online for related symptoms. Below is all the information you need to know about this condition:
Who Is At A High Risk Of Developing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Conditions that weaken the pelvic floor muscles increase the chances of developing this condition. The main events include:
· Childbirth: Pelvic floor muscles weaken with the number of vaginal childbirths. Therefore, women who have had multiple births should exercise their muscles more to prevent having problems with their pelvic floor.
· Obesity: Excess weight exerts pressure on the pelvic floor, which could weaken the muscles. As a result, the affected persons may lose control of their pelvic floor and begin to experience related symptoms.
· Pelvic Surgery: Surgery on the organs surrounding the pelvic floor may have complications at times and harm the muscles nearby.
· Pelvic Floor Injury: traumatic injury may harm the pelvic floor muscles or the surrounding connective tissue and cause dysfunction.
Symptoms Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Patients diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction may experience the following symptoms:
· Urinary Issues: They include the inability to control the urge to urinate and painful urination.
· Bowel Strains: The patient experiences constipation or has trouble managing bowel movements
· Pelvic Floor Pain: Patients with this condition experience pain in the genitals, rectum, or the entire pelvic region.
· Lower Back Pain: Pain in the pelvic floor region could escalate to affect the lower back.
· Pain During Sex: This symptom only affects women. They experience discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
· Muscle Spasms: Pelvic floor dysfunction affects the functioning of related muscles. Therefore, people with this condition may experience muscle spasms.
Diagnosis Of Pelvic Floor Problems
Symptoms could be a sign of a severe underlying condition. Therefore, it is important to seek medical assistance rather than diagnose yourself. During diagnosis, the doctor reviews your past medical records and current symptoms to determine the extent of your problem. They may also perform several physical evaluations to check for muscle weakness. After establishing the cause and extent of your condition, the doctor may then begin treatment.
Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The most common form of treatment is Kegel exercises. They are techniques used to strengthen pelvic floor muscles by contracting and relaxing. Other treatment options include:
· Medications such as muscle relaxant to reduce muscle contraction
· Self-relaxation techniques and self-care, such as avoiding excess straining during bowel movements.
· Surgery for severe cases that have progressed to rectal prolapse. Surgery is necessary to loosen and relax affected organs.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, it is crucial that you get further screening to establish the cause of your problem. It is also essential that you share all details that may aid in your treatment. Consult MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists for further questions and treatment.