Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common yet often misunderstood condition that can have a significant impact on a woman’s daily life. Whether it’s struggling with persistent pelvic pain, dealing with urinary incontinence, or experiencing discomfort during sexual activity, the effects can be both physically and emotionally draining. Understanding pelvic floor dysfunction is essential to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Our latest article aims to help educate, inform, and guide women who might be experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction to better understand the condition and seek medical help when necessary.

We’ve put together a guide answering some of the most common enquiries about the condition, its symptoms, causes, and treatment option

We hope to empower more women to take control of their health and consider reaching out to a gynaecology clinic for professional support.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are unable to function correctly. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum.

These muscles play a crucial role in controlling bowel movements, urination, and sexual function. When they become weak, overactive, or poorly coordinated, it can lead to a variety of health issues collectively known as pelvic floor dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction manifests in several ways, making it essential to recognise the symptoms early. Common indicators include persistent pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and chronic constipation. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life, making routine activities challenging.

Beyond the general symptoms, pelvic floor dysfunction can also cause overactive bladder, faecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Overactive bladder often presents as an urgent need to urinate, while faecal incontinence involves an inability to control bowel movements. Sexual dysfunction can include pain during intercourse or reduced sexual satisfaction.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of pelvic floor dysfunction. Childbirth is one of the most common causes, as the strain of delivery can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles. Aging also plays a role, as the muscles naturally lose strength over time. Straining during bowel movements, often due to chronic constipation, can further exacerbate the problem. In some cases, increased stress incontinence can also indicate an underlying weakness in pelvic floor muscles.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include pregnancy, chronic constipation, and an overactive bladder. Each of these conditions puts additional stress on the pelvic floor, increasing the likelihood of dysfunction. Women who experience multiple pregnancies or deliver large babies are particularly at risk.

The Diagnosis Process

How do you know if you have pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be identified through various symptoms that impact your daily life. Common signs include persistent pelvic pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and urinary incontinence. Women may also notice leaking urine when they laugh, cough, or exercise, which could be a sign of weaker pelvic floor muscles.

Additionally, discomfort during sexual intercourse and the need to frequently change positions to avoid pain in the pelvic region are potential indicators of this condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough assessment to determine if pelvic floor dysfunction is the cause.

How do you test for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

To diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction, your doctor or specialist will typically recommend a comprehensive physical exam. You may also receive a pelvic exam to assess muscle strength and coordination and other tests Such as ultrasound to evaluate the position and function of the pelvic organs. Some additional tests to rule out any other causes for bowel or urinary problems are also common, as these are often key indicators of pelvic floor issues.

When to See a Doctor and Gynaecologist

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as persistent pelvic pain, difficulty with bowel movements, or urinary incontinence you should consider consulting a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your overall quality of life.

How do you Fix Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Surgical Treatments

At Nurture Gynaecology, surgery is generally considered only when other treatment options have not been successful in managing pelvic floor dysfunction. We focus on addressing the underlying causes of your condition to provide lasting relief. In cases where chronic pelvic pain is linked to specific gynaecological issues, surgery may be necessary to address the root cause.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that may be used to treat conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic adhesions. This approach allows for precise treatment while minimising recovery time and discomfort.

Hysterectomy is rarely needed but can be considered in certain severe cases, such as those involving adenomyosis. Our team carefully evaluates each patient’s condition to determine the most appropriate course of action, ensuring that surgery is only recommended when absolutely necessary and with a clear understanding of the potential benefits.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction. A physical therapist can guide patients through exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve coordination, and relieve symptoms.
• Relaxation Techniques: In cases where the pelvic floor muscles are overactive, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises can be beneficial. These techniques help reduce muscle tension and improve overall pelvic floor function.
• Medications and Injections: Medications, including muscle relaxants and pain relievers, can help manage symptoms. In some cases, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are sometimes used to relax overactive muscles, providing relief from pain and dysfunction.
• Innovative Therapies: At Nurture, we also offer advanced treatments like the Emsella Chair, a non-invasive option that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This innovative therapy can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing incontinence and other pelvic floor issues, providing an effective alternative to more traditional methods.

How long does it take to fix pelvic floor dysfunction?

The duration for fixing pelvic floor dysfunction varies depending on the severity of the condition and treatment approach.

Non-surgical treatments, such as pelvic floor physical therapy, typically require several weeks to months of consistent practice to see significant improvement. Physical therapists often recommend continuing pelvic floor exercises to maintain muscle strength and prevent recurrence even after symptoms improve.

In cases where surgery is necessary, recovery time may vary, and your doctor should develop a personalised treatment plan to ensure optimal healing and functioning of the pelvic area. Patience and adherence to your treatment plan are crucial for long-term relief and improvement.

Preventing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Prevention is key to maintaining pelvic health. Regular pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles, reducing the risk of dysfunction. These exercises are particularly beneficial for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, as they can help the body recover from the strain of childbirth.

Postpartum Care

Proper postpartum care is essential in preventing pelvic floor dysfunction. Women should be encouraged to engage in gentle pelvic floor exercises as they recover from childbirth and to seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms of dysfunction.

Visit Nurture Gynaecology in Brisbane

Clinical Expertise

At Nurture Gynaecology we’ve got the expertise needed for treating patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing personalised care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Patient-Centric Care

We prioritise compassionate, patient-centric care. We understand the sensitive nature of pelvic health issues and strive to create a supportive environment where women feel comfortable discussing their concerns.

If you’re interested in learning more about your pelvic floor health, please request an appointment with Nurture Gynaecology today.