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Pelvic Health

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Pelvic floor dysfunction, characterized by difficulty controlling the muscles in the pelvic floor, can lead to symptoms like incontinence and pelvic pain that may affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Effectively managed through physiotherapy, treatments include targeted exercises and biofeedback, helping to strengthen the pelvic muscles and alleviate discomfort.

As with all conditions, this information is simply a guide, and it is always best to check in with a Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist to have a personalized assessment and hear recommendations for what you and your body may specifically need.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a prevalent condition where the muscles in the pelvic floor do not relax and coordinate properly when you need to urinate or have a bowel movement. Picture your pelvis as a house for vital organs such as your bladder, uterus, prostate, and rectum, with your pelvic floor muscles serving as the foundation that keeps everything stable and in place.

Under normal circumstances, these muscles should tighten and relax seamlessly as required—similar to how you might flex your biceps while lifting something heavy or clench your fist. This muscle action is essential for using the bathroom comfortably and effectively.

However, if you suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, there is a persistent tightening of these muscles instead of the necessary relaxation. This ongoing tension can lead to several uncomfortable and often distressing symptoms, including:

  • Difficulty in completely emptying the bowel (constipation).
  • The feeling of an incomplete bowel movement.
  • Unexpected leakage of urine or stool.

What are the Pelvic Floor Disorders?

While pelvic floor dysfunction focuses primarily on the functionality and coordination issues within the pelvic muscles, pelvic floor disorders encompass a broader range of conditions that affect both the structure and function of these crucial support systems. Here’s an overview of the most common pelvic floor disorders that can manifest from or contribute to dysfunction:

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence involves the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur when there is pressure exerted on the bladder (stress incontinence) or when there is an overwhelming urge to urinate that cannot be controlled (urge incontinence). It's a widespread issue, especially among women, and can significantly impact quality of life.

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing unexpected leaks of stool. This disorder can be due to nerve damage, weakened pelvic muscles, or problems within the digestive system.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become so weak that one or more of the pelvic organs drop from their normal position and bulge into the vagina or anus. Women may feel or see a bulge that can interfere with sexual function and cause discomfort and other symptoms like urinary problems.

Voiding Dysfunction

This broad category encompasses several issues related to urinating, including difficulty starting a urine stream, painful urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Often, voiding dysfunctions are caused by a lack of coordination between the bladder muscles and the urethra.

Fistulas: Vesicovaginal and Rectovaginal

Fistulas, specifically vesicovaginal and rectovaginal, involve abnormal openings between the bladder and the vagina or the rectum and vagina, respectively. These can lead to continuous leakage of urine or feces into the vagina, causing significant discomfort and hygiene problems.

Complex Benign Conditions of the Vagina and Urethra

This category includes various non-cancerous complications like vaginal cysts, vaginal agenesis (absence of the vagina), and urethral diverticulum. These conditions can cause symptoms ranging from discomfort to infection and require specialized medical treatment to manage effectively.

What are the Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors that weaken or impair the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Here are the main causes in a simplified form:

  • Childbirth: Vaginal childbirth can stretch or injure the pelvic floor muscles, especially after multiple births or difficult labors.
  • Chronic Straining: Regular straining from constipation or heavy lifting can gradually weaken the muscles.
  • Aging: As you age, muscle strength naturally decreases, which includes the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of dysfunction.
  • Surgery or Trauma: Surgical procedures or injuries that affect the pelvic area can damage these muscles and nerves, leading to dysfunction.
  • Obesity: Higher body weight puts additional pressure on pelvic floor muscles, contributing to their weakening.
  • Neurological Conditions: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or stroke can interfere with nerve signals that control the pelvic floor muscles.
  • High-Impact Activities: Participating in high-impact sports can strain the pelvic floor muscles without proper strengthening exercises.
  • Hormonal Changes: Women may experience weakening of the pelvic muscles during menopause due to lower estrogen levels.

How is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Diagnosed?


Diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction generally involves a few key steps:

  • Medical History Review: The doctor will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and any relevant factors such as previous surgeries or childbirth.
  • Physical Examination: This may include checking the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles through internal examination.
  • Symptom Diary: You might be asked to keep a record of your urinary or bowel habits and any episodes of pain or incontinence.
  • Questionnaires: To help assess the impact of symptoms on your quality of life, you may fill out standardized questionnaires.
  • Specialized Tests: Depending on your symptoms, tests like ultrasound, MRI, or urodynamic testing might be used to further evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures.

These diagnostic steps help healthcare providers determine the best approach to treat and manage pelvic floor dysfunction effectively.

Treatment for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Once pelvic floor dysfunction is diagnosed, the next step is to consider treatment options. Physiotherapy is often a key component of managing and treating this condition effectively.

Here’s how physiotherapy can help alleviate the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction:

  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Also known as Kegel exercises, these pelvic floor exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can be very effective in reducing symptoms of incontinence and prolapse.
  • Manual Therapy: Some physiotherapists use manual techniques to help relax and stretch tight pelvic floor muscles, which can relieve pain and discomfort.
  • Biofeedback: Using special sensors, biofeedback helps you become aware of your pelvic floor muscles' behavior. This can be particularly helpful in learning how to contract and relax these muscles correctly.
  • Electrical Stimulation: For those who have difficulty identifying their pelvic floor muscles, electrical stimulation can help by encouraging proper muscle contractions.
  • Education: Understanding how different activities and behaviors affect the pelvic floor muscles can be crucial. Physiotherapists may provide advice on fluid intake, diet, and exercise routines that support pelvic health.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can profoundly impact your quality of life, but with targeted physiotherapy, many individuals see substantial improvements in symptoms such as urinary incontinence, discomfort, and general pelvic health.

If you're struggling with pelvic pain, you don't have to suffer in silence. Inertia Physio+ offers exceptional pelvic floor physiotherapy services in Kanata and Stittsville, with private treatment rooms and one-on-one care. Our experienced physiotherapists specialize in evidence-based manual and exercise therapy techniques tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Take the first step towards recovery today by scheduling an appointment with us at (613) 672-2200 or [email protected].

FAQs

Can you reverse pelvic floor dysfunction?

Yes, many cases of pelvic floor dysfunction can be effectively managed and often significantly improved with the right treatment. Physiotherapy techniques, such as pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, and manual therapy, can help strengthen the muscles and improve their function. The success of reversal typically depends on the severity of the condition, the specific underlying causes, and how diligently the physiotherapy program is followed.

What does pain in the pelvic floor feel like?

Pain in the pelvic floor can vary significantly among individuals. It often presents as a dull, aching sensation, but can also feel like sharp pains or spasms. Some people may experience pain specifically during activities such as sitting, standing for long periods, or during sexual activity. The discomfort might be localized to the pelvic area or could radiate to the lower back, genital area, or thighs.

What does pelvic floor tightness feel like?

Pelvic floor tightness can feel like a persistent sensation of tension or pressure in the pelvic region. It might be accompanied by discomfort or pain, which can worsen during certain activities like urinating or having sexual intercourse. Some individuals might also experience a frequent need to urinate or difficulties fully emptying their bladder.

How do you know if your pelvic floor is weak?

Signs of a weak pelvic floor include difficulty controlling urine or stool, especially when sneezing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects. You might also have a frequent urge to urinate or a sensation of not being able to hold it. In women, a weak pelvic floor might lead to a feeling of heaviness or bulging in the vagina, which could indicate a prolapse of pelvic organs.

How do you diagnose pelvic floor problems?

At our clinic, diagnosing pelvic floor problems typically involves a thorough medical history and a physical exam. The physical exam might include an assessment of the pelvic floor muscles through manual palpation to check for any weakness or dysfunction. Additional tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or urodynamic tests may be used to further evaluate the condition and pinpoint specific issues.

How long does it take to fix a weak pelvic floor?

The time it takes to strengthen a weak pelvic floor can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the weakness, the specific treatment regimen, and the individual’s compliance with their physiotherapy exercises. Generally, patients may see improvements within a few weeks, but it could take several months to fully restore strength and function. Consistent practice of prescribed exercises is crucial for the best outcome.

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