Pelvic Floor Disorders

You are not alone; many people are affected by a Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD). While PFDs such urinary/bowel incontinence, pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse are common, they are not a normal or acceptable part of aging. They can often be reversed and effectively treated with painless, low-cost treatments options. CHI Health physicians are specially trained and understand that the symptoms associated with these conditions are often uncomfortable and embarrassing. They are committed to providing proactive and compassionate care this is individualized to your unique condition.

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorder

• Uncontrollable bladder
• Stopping and starting of urine stream
• Painful urination
• Incomplete emptying
• Constipation, straining or pain during bowel movements
• Pain or pressure in the low back, pelvic region, genital area, or rectum
• Pain during or after intercourse
• A heavy feeling in the pelvis or a bulge from the vagina or rectum
• Muscle spasms in the pelvis region

Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Disorders

A urogynecologist is a physician who has completed medical school and a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and then gone on to receive additional, highly specialized training in surgical and non-surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders. At CHI Health, these PFD experts diagnose the condition during a physical examination. Using external and internal manual techniques to evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles, they can assess your ability to contract and relax these muscles. A urodynamics study may also be performed in the clinic to measure the bladder's functions and efficiency.

Treatment for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Treatment can have a dramatic and positive effect on quality of life. For most people, treatments include:

• Behavior changes, such as avoiding pushing or straining when urinating and having a bowel movement. This also might include learning how to relax the muscles in the pelvic floor area. For example, warm baths and yoga can help relax these muscles.
• Medicines, such as low doses of muscle relaxants like diazepam
• Physical therapy which can help you learn how to relax and coordinate the movement of your pelvic floor muscles
• Surgery