Ever found yourself dealing with leaking a few drops of urine when you laugh? Do you find yourself involuntarily crossing your legs while you sneeze to prevent a urine leak? You don’t have to feel embarrassed about it. These are some weak pelvic floor symptoms females experience. Approximately 25% of women over 20 years old suffer from pelvic floor disorder.
In this guide, we'll navigate through what a pelvic floor disorder is, what causes it, how it affects the female bladder and treatment options.
What is Pelvic Floor Disorder?
A pelvic floor disorder is when the muscles and tissues that support your pelvic organs (like the bladder, uterus, and rectum) weaken or get damaged. This can happen due to various reasons, like childbirth, ageing, or certain medical conditions. When this occurs, you might experience pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms like leaking urine when you laugh or cough (stress incontinence—leakage of urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising due to weakened pelvic floor muscles), difficulty controlling bowel movements, or even a feeling of pressure or heaviness in your pelvic area. These issues can be frustrating and affect your daily life.
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Causes of Pelvic Floor Disorders
Understanding what could weaken your pelvic floor can help you take proactive steps to improve your bladder health. Here are some common causes to consider:
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Childbirth
The pelvic floor muscles can stretch or tear during labour and delivery. -
Ageing
Just like other muscles, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken over time. -
Obesity
Carrying extra weight can put pressure on the pelvic floor. -
Chronic Constipation
Straining during bowel movements can strain the pelvic floor muscles. -
Heavy Lifting
Lifting heavy objects can stress the pelvic floor muscles. -
Surgery
Certain surgeries, like hysterectomy, can sometimes weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Remember, these are just some common causes, and every person's situation is unique. If you're experiencing symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider for personalised advice and support. They can help you figure out the best way forward.
How Pelvic Floor Disorders Affect the Female Bladder
Dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms can impact female bladder function, leading to discomfort and inconvenience. Here's how it can affect you:
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Incontinence
Weak pelvic floor muscles can make it hard to control when you urinate, causing leaks when you laugh, cough, or sneeze. -
Overactive Bladder
Sometimes, the pelvic floor muscles can become too tense, making you feel like you need to urinate urgently and frequently. -
Incomplete Emptying
Weak muscles might not let your bladder completely empty, making you feel like you still need to urinate even after you've urinated. -
Urinary Retention
On the flip side, pelvic floor disorders can also make it difficult to start urinating or fully empty your bladder, causing discomfort or a feeling of fullness.
These issues can be bothersome, but treatments and exercises can help improve bladder control and make you more comfortable.
Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Discovering the right pelvic floor dysfunction treatment can greatly improve your quality of life. Here are some effective options to consider:
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Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
Kegel exercises involve squeezing and releasing the muscles you use to stop urination. Doing them regularly can improve muscle strength and control over time, reducing symptoms like urinary leakage. -
Behavioural Therapies
Techniques like bladder training involve gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to train your bladder to hold more urine. It also includes techniques to manage urges and leaks, such as relaxation techniques. -
Medications
Depending on your specific symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications such as anticholinergics to relax bladder muscles or antibiotics to treat underlying infections contributing to pelvic floor issues. -
Surgery
If there is significant pelvic organ prolapse or in cases where conservative treatments are not working, surgery may be advised. Surgical options range from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive repairs, depending on the severity of the condition.
Remember, everyone's situation is different, so what works for one person might not be the best option for another. Your healthcare provider can help you explore these options and find the right pelvic floor dysfunction treatment plan tailored to your needs. Don't hesitate to reach out for support!
Conclusion
Dealing with pelvic floor disorders can be challenging, but you've already taken the first step by seeking information and support. Whether you opt for pelvic floor exercises, behavioural therapies, medications, or even surgery, know that there's a solution tailored to your needs. Keep communicating with your healthcare provider, stay positive, and never hesitate to reach out for help. You've got this, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs
What causes pelvic floor disorders in women?
Pelvic floor disorder in women can result from childbirth, ageing, obesity, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, or surgery, weakening the muscles.
Can pelvic floor disorders be prevented?
Yes. Pelvic floor disorder prevention involves maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding heavy lifting, practising good bowel habits, and doing pelvic floor exercises.
How are pelvic floor disorders diagnosed?
Pelvic floor disorder diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam, medical history review, and possibly imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI, often conducted by a gynaecologist or urogynecologist.
Are there exercises that can help strengthen my pelvic floor?
Yes, pelvic floor exercises like Kegels can strengthen muscles, improve bladder control and support pelvic organs.
When should I seek professional help for a pelvic floor disorder?
Seek professional help if you experience symptoms like urinary or faecal incontinence, pelvic pain, or a bulge in the vaginal area, affecting your quality of life or daily activities.
