The pelvic floor is a made up of a group of muscles in the pelvic area. These muscles support the organs in the pelvis like a sling. The organs in this area include the bladder, uterus (women), prostate (men), and rectum (the area at the end of the large intestine where your body stores solid waste).
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
The weakening of the pelvic floor leads to dysfunction. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Overstretching of these muscles during childbirth is commonly associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. While she goes through the life-changing experience of childbirth, she is also unknowingly exposing herself to a potential downside… that is pelvic floor dysfunction.
What are the symptoms to watch for?
Urinary leak: Passing small amount of urine while coughing, laughing or lifting weight is called stress urinary incontinence.This can be very embarrassing and unhygienic too. Many times women isolate themselves … do not go out of the house or attend public functions due to shame.
Prolapse of the pelvic organ: A bulge at the vaginal orifice while straining. Some have incomplete evacuation of urine or stools. Some women need to urinate often and complain that they can void small amount of urine each time. Some women require to push the bulge inside to pass urine.
Controlling passing of “wind”: Some women find it tough to control the passage of gases or stools.
Cure Pelvic Floor Dysfunction-
Pelvic floor exercises help, especially in early stages. One should have adequate amount of calcium and Vitamin D in the diet too.
Few other mechanisms like Biofeedback have also been tried. It aims to re-train the pelvic floor so that they can function better.
Surgery-
Surgery is said to be the most effective way to treat this problem. These surgeries are usually done through vaginal route thus avoiding any external scar or cut on the tummy. During the surgery, the defect in the fascia is repaired and anatomy is restored.
So prevent pelvic floor dysfunction. And if you have it, do not hesitate to visit a gynaecologist and get it treated. Enjoy life to its fullest…and be carefree.