Anyone can develop pelvic floor dysfunction regardless of age or sex. This disorder can lead to debilitating pain in your pelvic area or vagina, making it difficult for you to urinate or make bowel movements. If you’re searching for a non-invasive treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Michael C Cardwell at Physicians for Women has a solution for you.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a medical disorder that causes difficulty flexing your pelvic floor muscles leading to stool or urine leakage. Your pelvic floor consists of several ligaments and muscles that allow you to control your urination, bowel movements, and sexual intercourse. Pelvic floor dysfunction prompts your pelvic muscles to contract rather than relax, resulting in trouble having a bowel movement.
Pelvic floor dysfunction may lead to extreme discomfort, infection, or long-term colon damage if not treated. Child-bearing can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction due to overstretching of your pelvic muscles. Lifting heavy objects can damage your pelvic muscles, leading to this uncomfortable disorder. Trauma or injury to your pelvic muscles, including radiation and surgery, also increases your chances of developing pelvic floor dysfunction.
How can your doctor diagnose
While urgent care centers primarily provide immediate medical attention for a range of acute conditions, they can also play a role in the initial evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms. If you experience sudden or severe pelvic pain or other concerning symptoms, visiting a Sunnyside walk-in clinic can provide you with prompt evaluation and guidance.
What symptoms indicate that you have pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction has a set of unique symptoms, including:
- Difficulty having your bowel movements or urinating
- Frequent urge to use the toilet
- Incomplete bowel movement or urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Rectal, back, or pelvic pain
In some cases, you may also deal with constipation and muscle spasms. If you experience these symptoms, inform your provider at Physicians for Women for medical care.
How can your doctor diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction?
Physicians for Women specialists advise against self-diagnosis because your symptoms may indicate an underlying life-threatening medical condition. During your appointment, your provider may review your medical history, enquire about your symptoms and conduct a thorough evaluation to rule out or confirm pelvic floor dysfunction. Your physical exam may include checking for muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Your doctor may also recommend an internal exam to evaluate your muscle control and contractions using a perineometer. Your provider may also recommend a minimally invasive procedure involving electrodes or the perineum to assess your muscle function.
What are the available treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction?
After confirming that you have pelvic floor dysfunction, the team may educate you about the available and recommend the most effective. Physicians for Women team can easily treat pelvic floor dysfunction with minimally invasive procedures. Your treatment plan may include biofeedback, medications to help with bowel movements, pelvic floor physical therapy, and acupuncture.
During biofeedback, your provider uses a video monitor and individual sensors to train your pelvic muscles on how to regain control and alleviate your symptoms. The team often recommends biofeedback because it is the most effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. In cases of rectal prolapse (a condition where your rectal tissue falls out of your vagina or anus), your doctor may recommend surgery.
For minimally invasive treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction, contact the M Physicians for Women office or book your spot online.
