As women age, their pelvic health isn’t usually top of mind. You may be surprised to learn the issues you’re experiencing with using the bathroom, vaginal or pelvic pain or frequent constipation are more than just a typical part of aging. Those symptoms may indicate a pelvic floor disorder – a somewhat funny and unusual name to describe a very common condition.
What is pelvic floor disorder?
Pelvic floor disorder is estimated to affect roughly one-third of the women across the country, according to the National Institutes of Health. The pelvic floor is the group of muscles that hold the uterus, cervix, vagina, bladder, bowel, urethra, small intestine and rectum in place so they function properly.
A pelvic floor “disorder” happens when the muscles can no longer hold the pelvic organs properly, often because of a tear, loosening or rip in the muscles.
Older women, particularly those who’ve had children, are more likely to experience pelvic floor disorders. Fortunately, there are many treatment options to help the pelvic floor muscles work properly again.
Treatments for pelvic floor disorders
Care for pelvic health issues, from trouble urinating to trouble during intercourse, has come a long way in the past few years. Those issues that were once considered part of the aging process are now met with a comprehensive clinical approach to help identify and treat a woman’s symptoms. Pelvic floor conditions we treat at Tanner Health System include:
- Bladder dysfunction, such as incontinence or overactive bladder
- Bowel dysfunction, including fecal incontinence
- Prolapse conditions, including vaginal, uterine or pelvic organ prolapse
Treatment plans often depend on the type of pelvic floor disorder a woman is experiencing. Options include:
- Biofeedback to help stimulate and strength pelvic nerves and muscles
- Medication
- Minimally-invasive surgery, including pelvic reconstruction surgery
- Physical therapy to help strengthen pelvic muscles
If you’re experiencing any pelvic floor symptoms, or have any questions, please talk with your doctor today. To find a physician near you, call our free, 24-hour physician referral line at 770.214.CARE (2273) or visit Find a Provider.
West Georgia Urology has locations in Bremen, Carrollton and Villa Rica and Wedowee. For more information, visit wgurology.com or call 770-834-6988.