Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a condition that occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that make up the pelvic floor are weakened or damaged. A pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and help control urination, defecation, and sexual function.
Causes
- The pressure of the growing fetus and the strain of childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
- The pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken with age, which can lead to PFD.
- Chronic constipation or strain during bowel movements impacts the pelvic floor muscles and causes weakening or damage.
- Chronic coughing or sneezing pressurizes the pelvic floor muscles over time.
- There may be a genetic component to PFD.
- Some medical conditions, such as connective tissue disorders, nerve disorders, or autoimmune diseases, can contribute to the development of PFD.
Types
- Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause symptoms of UTI like bladder pain, urine incontinence or urgency, or even urethral burning.
- Urinary incontinence issue is an involuntary leakage of urine that is caused due to weak pelvic floor muscles or problems with the nerves that control the bladder. You can check for urinary incontinence treatment in Chennai with the best doctor for urinary incontinence to determine the best treatment for you.
- Fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of stool due to weak pelvic floor muscles, damage to the nerves that control the rectum and anus, or conditions that affect the rectum or anus, such as haemorrhoids or anal fissures.
- Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs drop down and push against the vaginal wall or the opening of the vagina.
- Dyspareunia meaning pain during sexual intercourse can be caused due to muscle spasms, nerve irritation, or inflammation.
- Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain and urgency, which can be caused by inflammation or other factors.
Symptoms
- Urinary incontinence or urgency
- Fecal incontinence
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination or bowel movements.
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Painful menstrual periods
- Lower back pain and pain in hips or thighs
- Heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
The good news is that there are treatments available to help manage these symptoms.
Treatments
- Sacrocolpopexy: This procedure involves using mesh to support the pelvic organs and hold them in place. The mesh is attached to the sacrum and the top of the vagina to provide additional support.
- Colporrhaphy: This procedure involves repairing weakened or damaged tissues in the vaginal wall. It is done to correct a cystocele, rectocele, or enterocele.
- Hysterectomy: This procedure involves removing the uterus and sometimes the cervix. In case of uterus prolapse, it may be recommended.
- Fistula repair: If pelvic floor dysfunction has led to a fistula, surgery may be necessary to repair the fistula and prevent further complications.
The best Urogynecologist in Chennai can help diagnose the specific type of pelvic floor dysfunction and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
