What You Need to Know about Pelvic Floor Disorders
There are several changes that women go through in their lifetimes such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and menstruation. When these changes occur together with aging, the woman body may be affected. One area for concern is the pelvic floor disorders. It is the pelvic floor that works as the sling holding the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs in their right position. When the pelvic floor is weakened over time, other problems would arise.
The pelvic floor consists of muscles and ligaments. Once the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, some problems begin to develop such as urinary incontinence, difficulty in bowel movement, bleeding, and pain. A professional would, however, assist in treating weakened pelvic floor. Specialists who treat pelvic floor disorders are known as urogynecologist. They specialize in female pelvic medicine also known as urogynecology.
A urogynecologist will go through similar training like OBGYN although they specialize in treating female pelvic organs, connective tissue, and muscles. Urogynecologists are, therefore, more qualified to handle weak pelvic floor muscles. Such problems are such as pelvic floor dysfunction which is the inability to control pelvic floor muscles.
When this muscles contract and relax, they make it possible for urination and movement of the bowel, and sexual intercourse in women. Rather than relaxing, pelvic floor dysfunction causes the muscles to contract. This results in difficulty with bowel movement. If the pelvic floor dysfunction is not treated, infection, discomfort, and colon damage may occur.
When the symptoms become bothersome and restrict you from various activities, you need to seek help from a professional urogynecologist such as Dr. Lotze. Because the bladder will have dropped, you will have more urge to go to the bathroom or you might experience urinary incontinence. Other symptoms include lose control because of a shift in your bowel. Bulges in your vagina and rectum may also occur.
During emergency situations, you may experience severe bleeding. These pelvic floor disorders are usually treatable. With the help of a professional urogynecologist, an appropriate treatment plan will be recommended depending on your situation. Based on your situation, a urogynecologist will recommend the appropriate treatment. Mild pelvic floor disorders are treated using nonsurgical treatments. One such nonsurgical treatment is the Kegel exercises that are intended to strengthen the pelvic floor. Through the Kegel exercises, prolapse symptoms can be improved when the exercises are performed routinely and properly. Other nonsurgical treatment options include injections that are used for bladder control and medications. Medications are often given for some bladder control and prevent frequent bowel movement. Doctors can also prescribe the use of devices.
Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure when other treatment options do not work for you. The surgery may be used for prolapse to restore pelvic floor support.