Ever heard of pelvic floor dysfunction?

It's basically when your pelvic floor muscles, the ones that help control your bladder and bowels, aren't working as they should.

Let's break down what causes it, what it feels like, and how you can manage it.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Imagine your pelvic floor as a hammock that supports your bladder, bowel, and uterus (or prostate for men). These muscles help you control when you pee, poop, and even play a part during sex.

Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when these muscles don't work properly. They might be too tight or too weak, causing problems with bladder and bowel control.

The different types of pelvic floor dysfunction

Obstructed Defecation

This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles don't relax enough during bowel movements, making it difficult to pass stool. Symptoms can include straining, incomplete evacuation, and a feeling of blockage.

Rectocele

A rectocele is a condition where the rectum bulges into the vagina. This can cause difficulty with bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, and sometimes pain or discomfort.

Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Pelvic floor prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, sag or bulge into the vagina. This can cause symptoms like pelvic pressure, urinary or faecal incontinence, and pain.

Paradoxical Puborectalis Contraction

This condition involves the involuntary tightening of the puborectalis muscle, which can lead to difficulty passing stool. It can cause symptoms like straining, incomplete evacuation, and a feeling of blockage.

Levator Syndrome

Levator syndrome is a chronic pain condition that affects the levator ani muscle, a pelvic floor muscle. It can cause pain in the pelvic area, lower back, and buttocks, as well as difficulty sitting for long periods.

Coccygodynia

Coccygodynia is pain in the coccyx, or tailbone. It can be caused by injury, inflammation, or poor posture. Symptoms can include pain when sitting, standing up, or having a bowel movement.

Proctalgia Fugax

This type is characterised by sudden, severe rectal pain that lasts for a few seconds or minutes. The cause is unknown, but it's often associated with stress or anxiety.

Pudendal Neuralgia

This is a chronic pain condition that affects the pudendal nerve, which provides sensation to the genitals, perineum, and rectum. It can cause pain in the pelvic floor, perineum, and buttocks, as well as difficulty with urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.

What are the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?

While symptoms will be different for each person, and depending on the type of pelvic floor dysfunction they have, some common symptoms can include:

• Pain and/or pressure in the pelvis, genitals or rectum
• Stress urinary incontinence - small urine leaks due to an activity putting
• pressure on the pelvic floor such as coughing or jumping
• Incomplete urination
• Frequent and/or sudden urge to urinate
• Involuntary leakage of stool
• Constipation and/or straining during a bowel movement
• Lower back pain
• Hip pain
• A bulge somewhere in the lower pelvic region
• Pelvic muscle spasms

What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?

While symptoms will be different from person to person, and depending on the type of pelvic floor dysfunction they have, some common symptoms can include:

• Ageing
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Menopause
• Traumatic injuries to the pelvic area
• Overusing pelvic muscles (straining on the toilet, heavy lifting)
• Pelvic surgery
• Being overweight
• Family history

Does pelvic floor dysfunction differ between men and women?

While both men and women can experience pelvic floor dysfunction, the specific symptoms can vary. Women might experience issues like urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse.

Men, on the other hand, might struggle with erectile dysfunction or difficulty urinating.

No matter your gender, finding the right incontinence solution can significantly improve your quality of life.

How is pelvic floor dysfunction diagnosed?

If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

They can rule out any underlying health conditions and recommend the best course of treatment.

Your doctor might perform a physical exam to check your muscle strength and control. They might also suggest tests like a urine flow test or an EMG (a test that measures the electrical activity in your muscles) to get a better understanding of your pelvic floor function.

Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction

Once your GP has checked you out, you might want to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. They're experts in helping people with pelvic floor issues.

They can teach you exercises to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles, depending on what you need.

Here are some other treatment options your GP may discuss with you:

• Medication: Your doctor might prescribe a muscle relaxant to help ease tension in your pelvic floor muscles.
  
  
• Lifestyle Changes: Simple things like avoiding straining during bowel movements and practising relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can make a big difference.
  
  
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery might be an option, especially for conditions like prolapse. However, this is usually a last resort.
  
  

Remember, don't ignore pelvic floor dysfunction. Early treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.

Managing pelvic floor dysfunction-related incontinence

If you do experience incontinence alongside your pelvic floor dysfunction, it’s important to know that it can be comfortably managed with the right continence management products.

For light bladder leaks, we recommend our Invizi pads and guards for women and men.

If you need extra protection because of heavier leaks or full voids, you can opt for our Invizi pants or Invizi slips. These will also work for any stool leakage.

If you’re unsure about what products are best for your needs, don’t worry, we’re here to help.

We have a team of friendly product specialists who are only a call, email or online message away and can share which items in our range will suit you.