Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause difficulty urinating, defecating, and having sex due to abnormal spasms or control problems in the muscles supporting pelvic organs. Treatment includes medication, therapy, and surgery if needed. Causes include childbirth, prostate issues, and trauma. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical exams, and treatment includes muscle relaxers, biofeedback, and surgery.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common medical disorder that can cause difficulty urinating, defecating, and having sex. The condition is related to abnormal spasms or control problems in the muscles that support the pelvic organs. A person with pelvic floor dysfunction might have chronic constipation or trouble emptying their bladder because the muscles don’t work together properly. Many patients who are diagnosed with the condition can find relief by taking medications and working with therapists to learn how to better strengthen and control their muscles. Surgery may be needed if organs prolapse through the weak floor or a cyst develops.
Many different factors can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, and in many cases, an underlying cause cannot be discovered. Unlike most other muscle control problems, pelvic floor dysfunction does not appear to be related to neurological disorders. The muscles of the pelvis are simply uncoordinated; a patient can control their movements, but cannot make them twitch in unison to pass stool and urine. Possible causes include weakening of muscles and nerves after childbirth, an encroaching prostate gland, and trauma to the pelvic region. Additionally, straining too much during a bowel movement can cause damage to the pelvic floor muscles.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can vary depending on the degree of coordination problems and the specific muscles involved. Many people have difficulty emptying their bowels and bladder, resulting in chronic constipation and frequent but unproductive urges to urinate. When muscles are unusually weak, incontinence may be the main problem. Females may also experience significant pain during intercourse because the muscles that support the vagina cannot relax properly.
A doctor can usually diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction based on a patient’s symptoms and a thorough physical exam. X-rays and other imaging scans may be done to look for signs of a swollen prostate, organ prolapse, or defects in the muscles. Your doctor may press on your lower abdomen to see if it gives way to the pressure and if the area is tender. In some cases, a photographic probe is used to view muscle movement from inside the intestines or vagina.
Pelvic floor problems can be treated in several ways. Patients suffering from chronic constipation are often given muscle relaxers and encouraged to exercise, drink plenty of water, and eat high-fiber foods. Another treatment called biofeedback is a physical therapy technique in which a specialist helps a patient see what it feels like to control different muscles. With practice, many people are able to achieve better coordination. If problems persist, a surgeon may need to manually fix muscles and organs in place or address other underlying problems, such as an enlarged prostate.
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