The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a “floor” across the bottom of the pelvis. They work together to help the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, urethra, intestines, rectum, uterus, cervix, and vagina, stay in place, so they can function properly. If you have a pelvic floor condition, including pelvic floor pain, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. WMCHealth has pelvic floor specialists who can provide treatment, including pelvic floor therapy.
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Conditions
Symptoms of pelvic floor conditions vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Common symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Pain while urinating
- Urgent and/or frequent need to urinate
- Leaking stool or trouble controlling gas
- Seeing or feeling a “bulge” come out of the vagina
- Leaking urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- Feeling a heaviness or aching in the vagina that worsens by the end of the day or with a bowel movement
Many women with pelvic floor issues are hesitant to discuss symptoms with their doctor. There is no need to feel embarrassed, and these symptoms are not an inevitable part of life. They are treatable. The pelvic floor specialists at WMCHealth are here to help.
Types of Pelvic Floor Conditions
You may experience a pelvic floor disorder when the pelvic muscles or surrounding tissue are weakened or injured. These conditions are more common among older women and women who have given birth.
There are many different types of pelvic floor conditions:
- Bladder issues
- Bowel issues
- Pelvic pain and dysfunction
- Pregnancy-related Issues
- Muscle Imbalance
The most common pelvic floor conditions are:
- Fistulas: An opening between the vaginal wall and the bladder or rectum which can result in leakage
- Fecal incontinence: The involuntary loss of stool
- Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine due to motion or urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapse: When a pelvic organ is no longer supported and drops
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, we can help. There are many noninvasive treatments offered at WMCHealth that can help you feel more comfortable.
How is it Diagnosed?
A pelvic floor condition typically begins with a physical exam and a medical history. Your doctor may also do other tests to confirm the diagnosis and plan an appropriate treatment. These tests could include:
- Urinalysis
- Cystoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Urodynamics
- Anal manometry
- EMG of the pelvic floor
Treatment of Pelvic Floor Conditions
WMCHealth offers comprehensive treatment plans based on your condition, symptoms, and overall health. These treatments may be noninvasive or surgical.
Noninvasive Treatments
Along with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend nonsurgical treatments such as:
- Medication
- Bladder training
- Vaginal pessary device
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
Surgery
In some cases, surgery is the best treatment. However, not everyone is a good candidate for surgery, especially women who wish to have children. Your doctor will discuss all the risks and benefits of surgery with you if they believe it is something you should consider.
WMCHealth offers a range of minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries, including:
- Hysteropexy
- Sacrocolpopexy
- Midurethral sling surgery
- Native tissue and mess procedures
- Vaginal hysterectomy and pelvic reconstructions