What you need to know about pelvic floor dysfunction 

A common condition experienced by hundreds of thousands of men and women every day, pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when muscles located in the area of the pelvis no longer appear to be working as well as they used to. As the muscles in the pelvis are utilized to provide support and function to several major organs in the region, the failure of the pelvic muscle can lead to numerous other conditions, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, as well as embarrassing issues such as loss of bladder and bowel control. 

There are many symptoms & conditions associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, which include:

• Consistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
• An increased urge to urinated often throughout the day
• Loss of bladder control
• Loss of bowel control

Pelvic floor dysfunction often goes undiagnosed simply because many who experience it often don’t have symptoms that occur frequently enough for them to be inclined to seek medical help. Other times individuals may be too embarrassed, and often it can also be misdiagnosed, since the symptoms can also be related to many other conditions. Regardless, any of the above symptoms warrant counsel from a physician, as they can often be indicative of a larger health issue.

How does one get afflicted with pelvic floor dysfunction?

The condition can sometimes occur due to damage or injury to the pelvic muscles and nerves, which is often caused by childbirth in women. In other cases it may simply be due to surgery or other actions that somehow adversely affect the muscles in that region. While the exact causes cannot always be easily determined, there are thankfully several treatments that can be administered to help reduce the symptoms and eventually eliminate the condition altogether.

Treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction

The most effective treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction involve exercises that can help relax and stretch the pelvic muscles, so that they can begin to work properly again. In many cases, physical therapy is enough to enable an individual to regain control of their pelvic muscles after a time. Physical therapy exercises include Kegel exercises for men and women, which an individual can perform at any time in the comfort of their own home. The exercises help to improve both bladder and sphincter control. He exercises vary slightly for men and women.

Biofeedback is often used in conjunction with physical therapy for greater effect and better results. Biofeedback is often very effective as well, and requires a physical therapist to train you how to perform these exercises properly.

If physical therapy exercise and biofeedback don’t appear to be helping much, then medications may be prescribed, and in some cases, an individual may have to have surgery in order to remedy the problem.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your physician or specialist that you can be properly diagnosed and begin treatment so as to hopefully repair your body and continue to live your life without this uncomfortable condition.