Since you can't see your pelvic floor structures, you might not even realize that they have become stretched, weakened or injured until you notice other changes in your body or health. There are four categories of pelvic floor issues that may develop, which are outlined below. Please note that although treatment options are discussed in this article, your Physical Therapist at Specialized Physical Therapy will work with you in a supportive and caring way to address your questions, concerns, and treatment options.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence affects approximately 200 million people around the world – mostly women. In fact, 26% of women between the ages of 30 and 59 have problems with urine leakage [1]. Urinary urgency or urge incontinence can be caused by common triggers such as certain foods, drinks, and medications. It can also be caused by medical issues as common as a bladder infection, or due to more serious causes such as bladder or pelvic cancer.
What other types of diagnoses are related to pelvic floor problems?
- Urinary Incontinence
- Stress, urge and mixed
- Urinary Urgency and Frequency
- Constipation or Excessive straining with bowel movements
- Bowel Incontinence
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Post Surgical Pain
- Examples in women are: Hysterectomy, C-Section Scars, Laparoscopy, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repairs and abdominal or pelvic cancer treatments
- Examples in men are: Hernia Repair, Prostate Surgery, Abdominal or pelvic cancer treatments
- Adhesions from surgery, cancer treatment or endometriosis
- Dyspareunia, Vulvadynia, and Vaginismus
- Pudendal Neuralgia and pain with sitting
- Coccydynia
