Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common ailment that can manifest in people of any age or gender. It is imperative that you get medical attention as soon as possible if you have symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Ignoring these symptoms and avoiding medical help can aggravate your disease, cause undue tension and anxiety or perhaps cause permanent damage or perhaps cause permanent damage. A quick diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction require early recognition of the condition’s symptoms. Many people who suffer from symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction might see considerable improvement with the help of appropriate treatment.
The Effects of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction on Your Health
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that can significantly impact your health and quality of life.
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Urinary Incontinence
The pelvic floor muscles play a significant role in controlling bladder activity. If these muscles are weakened or damaged, one may suffer from urinary incontinence, which can result in embarrassing situations. It might prevent you from engaging in many activities, both of which add to isolation and depression.
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Bowel Problems
Another important role of pelvic floor muscles is regulation of bowel function. Dysfunction of these muscles can cause symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence which negatively impacts a person’s overall wellbeing.
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Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic discomfort in the pelvic region, brought on by pelvic floor dysfunction, may be severe, preventing the sufferer from doing anything from working to exercising to simply sitting in comfort.
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Musculoskeletal Issues
Because of the pelvic floor muscles’ interconnectedness with other muscles, dysfunction there can cause referred pain in the hips, lower back, or legs.
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Decreased Quality of Life
Dysfunctional pelvic floor muscle may have devastating impact on a person’s quality of life, making it impossible to take part in the things that bring them joy and badly impacting their mental health.
Causes of Pelvic Dysfunction
There are several factors that can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, including pregnancy, aging, and certain medical conditions. Here are three common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction and how they can affect your health.
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Pregnancy and childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth are major contributors to PFDs in women. The weight of the growing baby puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken or stretch. Vaginal delivery can also cause damage to the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor, which can lead to symptoms of dysfunctional muscle of the pelvic floor, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.
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Aging
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, including a natural loss of muscle tone and elasticity. This can result in weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to urinary and bowel problems.
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Chronic Coughing
Chronic coughing, whether due to smoking, allergies, or a respiratory infection, can put stress on the pelvic floor muscles and cause them to weaken over time. This can lead to symptoms such as urinary leakage and pelvic pain.
Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Tests and Procedures
Professionals who speclize in urogynecology in Richmond VA are a branch of medicine concerned specifically with the evaluation and management of problems related to the pelvic floor. The key to successfully treating PFDs is an accurate diagnosis. Professionals in the medical field employ various diagnostic techniques and procedures to identify this dysfunction in patients.
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Pelvic Health Checkup
The healthcare professional does a pelvic exam to evaluate the patient’s pelvic floor muscles. They may look for inflammation or prolapse as well.
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Evaluation of Urodynamic
Urodynamic testing is performed to determine how well a person’s bladder is working. The exam evaluates how much urine the bladder can retain, how strong the bladder muscle is, and how well the urethra and bladder communicate.
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X-Rays and Other Imaging Exams
MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans can be used to look for structural problems in the pelvis that could be causing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Evaluation of bowel and bladder function is also possible with these examinations.
Conclusion
The symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can be very bothersome and range from leaky urine to trouble getting an erection. Childbirth, obesity, and aging are just a few potential triggers, so if you’re having any of the symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a doctor in Alabama. Diagnostic tests and procedures help doctors determine the best way to treat a patient, leading to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life. The more people are aware of the effects of pelvic floor dysfunction, the more likely they are to take action to treat and manage the disease and improve their quality of life.
