Pelvic floor dysfunction is a complex condition that is in link with urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, faecal incontinence, and emptying disorders of the bowel. When women experience urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor muscle training is a useful treatment option for treating symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. This write-up covers the most common pelvic floor issues, their prevalence in women, and causes of pelvic floor disorders in women.
What are pelvic floor disorders?
The muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, and colon) are collectively referred to as the pelvic floor, and they are impacted by a variety of illnesses. The location of pelvic floor muscles are inside the pelvis, between the pubic bone and the tailbone (coccyx). They support the bladder and bowel (and, in the case of females, the uterus and vagina). Urinary and faecal transit can be facilitated by relaxing the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles are very important in sexual function, with a relaxation/contraction combination allowing fun and pleasurable sex. These organs are kept from falling and are assisted in functioning properly by the pelvic floor.
If your pelvic floor muscles are not functioning well, the internal organs will lack full support. This may prevent you from controlling your wind, stool, or urine. Common pelvic floor issues or disorders include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence (stress urinary incontinence or urgency urinary incontinence) or urinary frequency and urgency, anal (faecal) incontinence (accidental bowel leakage).
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction in women?
A PFD develops from weakening or damage to the pelvic muscles and connective tissue. Supporting the weight of the uterus during pregnancy and vaginal delivery may cause the muscles to become overstretched and might weaken the pelvic floor. Childbirth can contribute to the development of PFDs. The prevalence of pelvic floor abnormalities is twice as high in vaginal births as in caesarean deliveries or in women who have never given birth. However, caesarean deliveries pose several risks and are not recommendable for prevention of PFDs. The pressure of obesity, chronic constipation and straining to poop, constant coughing, some forms of surgery that require cutting the muscles (including prostate cancer treatment in males), lower levels of oestrogen after menopause, pelvic floor muscle tension caused by painful periods, and endometriosis are some significant causes of pelvic floor dysfunction.
What are the types of pelvic floor disorders?
Major types of pelvic floor disorders are pelvic organ prolapse (POP), which occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, bulge or descend into the vaginal space due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, which can be a result of weakened pelvic floor muscles or damage to the nerves controlling bladder function. Types of urinary incontinence include stress incontinence (leakage during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising) and urge incontinence (sudden, strong urges to urinate). An overactive bladder (OAB) condition involves a sudden and frequent urge to urinate, often accompanied by urinary incontinence. It can result from various factors, including bladder muscle overactivity, neurological conditions, or bladder irritation.
Faecal incontinence is similar to urinary incontinence, but it involves the involuntary leakage of faeces. It can occur due to damage to the muscles and nerves of the pelvic floor. This can happen often as a result of childbirth, trauma, or nerve damage. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum protrudes through the anus, often resulting from weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues.
Various factors cause chronic pelvic pain, including pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, nerve irritation, inflammation, or underlying conditions such as endometriosis or interstitial cystitis. Moreover, pelvic floor disorders can also contribute to sexual dysfunction, including pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) or difficulty achieving orgasm.
How are pelvic floor disorders dealt with?
Contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor diseases can affect anyone at any age. One in four women over the age of 20 has pelvic floor symptoms like urine or stool leakage. At least one in three women will encounter a pelvic floor disorder at some point in their lives. Symptoms related with common pelvic floor issues can disrupt your daily life. To cure a pelvic floor issue, one in five women will require surgery. Unfortunately, 30 percent of these women face the risk of needing repeated surgery. PFDs can result in pelvic organ prolapse, difficulties with bladder or bowel control, and weakening of the pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue.
You can reduce your risk for pelvic floor disorders with diet, exercise, and healthy living. Although, some factors are unavoidable and are of the greatest risk, including ageing, menopause, childbirth, and family history. First-line treatment options for many pelvic floor disorders include avoiding caffeine, preventing constipation by including more fruit, vegetables, fibre, and water in your daily diet. Furthermore, seek medical attention for a chronic cough, performing pelvic floor exercises, and losing weight. Your muscle tone will improve with pelvic floor exercises. Moreover, they enhance the communication between your brain and these muscles. It’s possible to avoid corrective surgery by doing these workouts.
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