Pelvic floor disorders can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, but they’re not always easy to spot. Here are 5 silent signs that may indicate you have a pelvic floor disorder, and what you can do to address these issues.
- Urinary incontinence
The pelvic floor is a network of muscles, veins, cartilage, and bones that run from your pubic bone to your tailbone. They form the base of your torso.
The pelvic floor holds your buttons, reproductive systems, and your spine together. Its structure is U shaped and is meant to be highly flexible and designed to twist.
When this function is compromised, you start to suffer silently. And one common sign that your pelvic floor is in distress is poor bladder control.
You see, internally, the pelvis muscle allows you to hold the urine in the bladder. The muscles control when you start to urinate, how fast the urine flows, and even stop it midstream.
But when your experience a pelvic floor disorder, then you are unable to perform these processes. Instead, you have difficulty holding it, resulting in dripping urine.
According to the study reported by Cleveland Clinic, the pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in controlling the bladder and maintaining urinary continence. When you have a pelvic floor disorder, it can affect your ability to hold urine in the bladder and perform these tasks effectively. Proper functioning of the pelvic floor muscles is essential for maintaining urinary control and preventing issues related to urinary incontinence.
You may release urine unintentionally when you cough, laugh or even sneeze.
- Constipation
Another key process that the pelvic floor muscle do is to keep the rectum intact and regulate the flow of solid waste.
There is a continuity of the large intestines with the rectum. But when you have a pelvis floor disorder, this muscular synchrony disappears.
This discord disrupts the efficient coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. Thus you endure difficulties regulating stool expulsion.
But what causes pelvic floor disorder? Strenuous exercises and lack of exercise are both to blame. But sitting is perhaps a major catalyst.
Prolonged sitting compresses the abdomen, which is one organ that the pelvis floor supports from down.
According to the report by the National Institute of Health, engaging in a sedentary lifestyle and spending extended time sitting can put additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to the development of pelvic floor disorders. It is essential to consider these factors and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent and manage pelvic floor issues effectively.
This compression results in a slowdown of digestion, bloating, and constipation. As expected, bowel movement is affected.
Constipation can be bad. There is no smooth flow of fecal waste from the anus. The pain forces you to turn in many positions, strain your pelvis and even use your hands to help extract solid waste.
- Bulging rectum
Another key process that the pelvic floor muscle do is to keep the rectum intact and regulate the opening and closing of the anus.
The rectum is at the end of the large intestine. Its purpose is to receive the fecal waste matter and hold it until ready for expulsion from your body.
The pelvis floor muscle performs this task. So they have to remain taut and sensitive.
After all, solid wastes are heavy. Still, the muscle has to detect that the rectum has captured enough for its capacity.
Afterward, the pelvic organs stimulating center of the brain to inform it that it’s time to relieve the storage. This is when you feel the urge for a long call and rush to the toilet.
The muscle then instructs the anus to open and expel the matter. During this process, there is fine coordination of the pelvic floor muscles on one hand and opening and closing of the rectum and anus on the other.
But this fine motor process is lost if the pelvis floor muscles are disoriented. The rectum is unable to close neatly.
This causes organs to protrude out of the anus. The rectum also bulge is cant squeeze back to its original size.
- Unnatural vagina
One way to tell about pelvis floor disorder is improper vagina structure and function. Vagina’s work is to expel urine and allow for sex.
The muscles around it are key, helping to prepare this female reproductive organ for procreation activities. These include sex, pregnancy, and childbirth.
During pregnancy and especially childbirth, complications may arise. Prolonged labor may rapture the pelvic muscles, rendering them partially functional.
After childbirth, you notice that your vagina is strangely positioned. The weak pelvis prevents the lady petals from receding well.
Thus your vaginal opening retains a gaping shape. It may appear to be bulging out of its harness. According to a National Institute of Health publication, your vagina may also feel full and heavy throughout.
This incorrectly positioned sex spot makes sex difficult and painful since the inside of the vagina is dropping out.
The agony may be heavy and burning. And you could hear the wind passing through the vagina when you bend.
- Medical conditions
Pelvis floor affects many women. According to the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, about 26% of women suffer from various symptoms of pelvic floor disorder.
This count does include pregnant and mild conditions women. The most common signs are urinary and stool incontinence.
Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and even lung cancers are some medical conditions that may trigger pelvic floor disorder.
Coughing has a powerful effect on these muscles. So any condition that causes frequent and violent coughs such as asthma, lung cancer, and smoking is bad. They may contribute to the slackening of the pelvis floor walls.
According to a report published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, obese people have one of two signs of pelvic floor disorder. So heavy weight could trigger this situation.
Based on the article that was published by Mayo Clinic, studies show that physical therapies are effective in treating even acute forms of pelvic floor disorders. These interventions can significantly improve pelvic floor function and help alleviate the symptoms associated with pelvic floor disorders. Seeking appropriate physical therapy is essential as it plays a vital role in managing and treating these conditions successfully.
But treatment is easy. Physical therapies can help resolve even the acute form of pelvic floor disorder. There are several including moderate exercises, pelvic floor exercises, and relaxation techniques.
As a final point, pelvic floor disorder is real, and anyone can be affected by it. Knowing the symptoms and silent signs of the disorder can help people get early treatment and seek professional health.
What Is The Root Cause Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages, but is more prevalent in women. It is characterized by a range of symptoms including urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. PFD can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and may require long-term management. While there are multiple factors that can contribute to PFD, the root cause is often multifactorial and may vary from person to person.
One of the primary causes of PFD is pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched and weakened to accommodate the growing baby. This can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, especially if the muscles are not able to recover after delivery. The strain of childbirth can also cause damage to the nerves and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, further contributing to PFD. Research has shown that women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries are at a higher risk of developing PFD compared to those who have had cesarean sections.
Another significant factor that can contribute to PFD is hormonal changes. Estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles, decreases during menopause. This can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, making them more susceptible to dysfunction. Additionally, the decrease in estrogen can also cause thinning of the vaginal walls, leading to pelvic organ prolapse – a common symptom of PFD.
Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements are also common causes of PFD. The constant pressure and straining on the pelvic floor muscles can lead to their weakening and dysfunction. This is especially true for individuals who have a history of constipation or have a condition that affects their digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Obesity is another significant risk factor for PFD. Excess weight puts added pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to their weakening and dysfunction. This is because the pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When they are weakened, these organs may shift out of their normal positions, causing symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence.
In some cases, pelvic floor dysfunction may also be caused by trauma or injury to the pelvic area. This can include falls, accidents, or sports injuries that affect the pelvic floor muscles, nerves, or connective tissues. Trauma to the pelvic area can also occur during pelvic surgery, such as a hysterectomy, which can lead to PFD.
Finally, lifestyle factors such as high-impact activities, repetitive heavy lifting, and chronic coughing can also contribute to PFD. These activities put a strain on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to their weakening and dysfunction. In addition, certain occupations that involve prolonged sitting or standing can also increase the risk of PFD.
In conclusion, the root cause of pelvic floor dysfunction is often multifactorial and can vary depending on the individual. Pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes, chronic constipation, obesity, trauma or injury to the pelvic area, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to the development of PFD. It is essential to address these underlying causes to effectively manage and prevent PFD. This can include pelvic floor muscle exercises, hormone replacement therapy, dietary changes, weight management, and avoiding activities that put a strain on the pelvic floor muscles. Seeking medical attention and working with a healthcare professional can help identify the root cause of PFD and develop an individualized treatment plan for better management of this condition.
