Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a disorder of the muscles within the pelvic floor region that are involved in holding up the bladder, bowel, and uterus in females. They are also involved in sexual activities, defecation, and the control of bowel movements or the passing of urine. If these muscles are weakened, tight, or otherwise less effective, then the person experiencing this can develop a number of uncomfortable and sometimes even disabling symptoms.
The causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can be diverse and multifactorial; therefore, they may stem from multiple factors, including flexible physical activity, medical history, and even genetics. Here are some common causes:
Childbirth
The process of giving birth through the vaginal region puts pressure on or even causes injuries to connective tissues and pelvic muscles. Multiple births, large baby sizes, or difficult births also put the baby as well as the mother at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Chronic Constipation
Contractions during defecation place high pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and therefore weaken the muscles with time.
Heavy Lifting
Through lifting heavy weights in their workouts or as associated with their jobs, individuals may put great pressure on their pelvic floor muscles and thus have them become dysfunctional.
Aging
Due to aging, the muscles as well as the elasticity of the human body, including the pelvic floor, decrease.
Obesity
Obesity also exerts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and, therefore, causes dysfunction.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is characterized by a number of signs that can impact one’s experiences and functions in the course of daily living. Common symptoms include:
Urinary Issues
Common urinary symptoms are a more frequent call or the inability to hold urine, leakage of urine, straining to urinate, etc.
Bowel Problems
Such conditions as chronic constipation, difficult bowel movements, painful bowel movements, or fecal leakages may be the result of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic Pain
He or she may often complain of pain in the pelvic region, lower back, or genital regions. These can worsen when one is seated or during any form of physical activity.
Sexual Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction may include; pain during intercourse, decreased sensation, or erectile dysfunction in males. Trying to find a cure for sexual dysfunction may help address these concerns.
Pressure and Heaviness
A discomfort, or fullness, that some women compare to the feeling of a tampon not being put in right, may be present in the lower abdomen.
Seeking Help and Treatment
One has to consult a medical professional if they are developing signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. This is a case of early intervention proving useful in alleviating symptoms before they worsen and have adverse effects. Here are some steps to take:
Consult a Specialist: A physician with knowledge in the area of pelvic floor dysfunction is the ideal person to give a clinically correct diagnosis and the exact regimen of actions to be taken.
Explore Treatment Options: The therapy may be done through exercise, medicine, a change in living habits, or operations if needed based on the root cause of the illness.
Consider Sexual Dysfunction Treatment: If pelvic floor dysfunction impacts your physical intimacy, personalized sexual dysfunction treatment can then handle these problems.
Final thoughts
It is important to understand the cause of pelvic floor dysfunction and the symptoms associated with the condition as a means of enabling anyone experiencing the complication to seek treatment early enough to be managed effectively. Thus, the LUTS, pain, and sexual dysfunctions can severely affect the quality of life, but, if managed appropriately, the symptoms can be relieved. Pelvic floor therapy in Orlando, FL, focuses on improving the pelvic floor muscles and is a non-surgical treatment method for improving your quality of life. Now, if you are one of the unfortunate ones who feel that you have developed pelvic floor dysfunction, then do not delay and see a specialist and consider the available treatment options.
