The pelvic floor in women supports the uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum. Some women experience pelvic floor disorders primarily due to childbirth.
What are pelvic floor disorders?
A pelvic floor disorder occurs when pelvic muscles and ligaments become weak or damaged and cannot support the pelvic organs. There are 3 categories of pelvic floor disorders:
A pelvic floor disorder occurs when pelvic muscles and ligaments become weak or damaged and cannot support the pelvic organs. There are 3 categories of pelvic floor disorders:
- Pelvic organ prolapse: when the uterus bladder or rectum drops into the vagina, causing a bulge in the vaginal cavity.
- Urinary incontinence: leaking urine when you cough and sneeze or laugh
- Fecal incontinence: weak bowel control
Possible symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder
- Pain or pressure in the vagina
- A heavy feeling in the pelvis
- Urinary incontinence
- Constipation or pain during bowel movements
- Tissue bulging from the vagina
Common causes of pelvic floor disorders
In general, pelvic floor disorders are caused by weekend pelvic muscles or ligaments.
In general, pelvic floor disorders are caused by weekend pelvic muscles or ligaments.
- Childbirth: Most common cause
- Obesity
- Pelvic surgery
- Repeated heavy lifting or straining
Treatment options
- Weight loss
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Vaginal Pessaries
- Estrogen if postmenopausal
- Surgery
