Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Guide

Do you often experience constipation, painful urination, and leaking pee? This might mean that you have pelvic floor dysfunction.

Many of the signs and symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction can be both embarrassing and debilitating. With symptoms potentially including urinary incontinence, dealing with this condition can have a major effect on your overall health and happiness.

Fortunately, Jude is here to break taboos surrounding this topic and the good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage your condition and lead a 'normal' life. However, the first step is to normalise and understand the signs and symptoms, as well as their potential causes.

Let us guide you through some of the most common indicators associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

A Closer Look at Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Your pelvic floor muscles play an important role in supporting your lower internal organs, like your uterus, bladder and rectum, and ensure healthy bowel movements and urination.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can involve either hypertonic (tight) muscles or hypotonic (weak) muscles.

Hypotonic pelvic floor refers to pelvic floor muscles that are too weak or loose. It can result in symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and difficulty controlling bowel movements.

Hypertonic pelvic floor describes pelvic floor muscles that are too tight or overactive. This can lead to issues such as chronic pelvic pain, and painful sex and it can also cause difficulties with peeing and bowel movements due to the muscles not relaxing properly.

Studies estimate that one in three women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their lives. So while this condition can be annoying and painful, it is very common and there are plenty of ways to treat it effectively.

Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Some of the possible signs and symptoms associated with female pelvic floor dysfunction include:

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is one of the most common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. You may find that you pee when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. This loss of bladder control and involuntary leakage has varying degrees of severity and affects many of us women around the world.

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence means that you are unable to control your bowel movements, which can result in leaking stool. This extends to liquid stool, solid stool, and mucus. Even if you feel like you may need to pass faeces before it happens, you often don't reach the bathroom in time.

Pain in your pelvic area

Pain in your lower back, uterus, pelvic muscles, rectum and genitals is another possible indicator of pelvic floor dysfunction. This pain can range from slightly uncomfortable to completely debilitating.

Passing wind when bending over

Do you often pass wind from your anus or vagina when lifting something or bending over? Typically, this is not normal and could be a sign that you're suffering from some type of pelvic floor disorder.

Tampons that fall out

If your tampon dislodges itself or falls out, it could mean that it's time to change your tampon or that it was placed incorrectly. However, if it remains a continuous problem, it could be an indicator that your pelvic floor muscles are battling to maintain the right amount of tension.

Constipation

Constipation is when you have infrequent bowel movements, usually less than three times a week. Approximately half of those who deal with long-term constipation are thought to have pelvic floor dysfunction.

Changing positions on the toilet

Do you find that you're always shifting around on the toilet, trying to find a comfortable position? Or do you sometimes need to remove stool using your hand? This may be a sign that you're suffering from pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse

One of the most common indicators of female pelvic floor dysfunctions is pain during sex and a lack of sexual function. Just keep in mind that there are many other reasons for pain during intercourse, so it's important to see a GP if you're experiencing these symptoms.

6 Main Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

While there isn't an exact cause of pelvic floor dysfunction, there are a few factors that may contribute to this condition, including:

1. Physical Stress

Despite its name, stress urinary incontinence isn't caused by mental or emotional stress. It is caused by physical stress on the bladder, physical activities like laughing, sneezing, coughing, jumping or lifting heavy objects put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles which can result in urine leakage if these muscles are weakened or unable to provide adequate support.

2. Traumatic injuries to your pelvic area

Car accidents and intense falls can injure your pelvis and pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles are damaged, you may experience some of the symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

3. Pregnancy and childbirth

Supporting the increased weight of the uterus during pregnancy can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. Experts say that the pelvic floor weakens as much as 25% during pregnancy. The more pregnancies you go through, the more likely you are to experience pelvic floor issues.

4. Overusing your pelvic muscles

When you resist going to the toilet when you need to, you can strain your pelvic floor muscles and damage them. This is why it is important to go pee when you feel the urge to. Holding it in isn't good for you. Other contributory factors can be straining when you pee or hovering (not sitting down) when you pee as these also strain your pelvic floor.

5. Menopause

Menopause can lead to weaker muscles in the pelvic area due to hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen. This is why many women experience incontinence during and after menopause and are encouraged to do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen these muscles.

6. Connective tissue disorders

Connective tissue disorders can cause a wide range of issues in the body, including pelvic floor dysfunction and high blood pressure. Just keep in mind that if you have a connective tissue disorder, you could be a potential candidate for weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Treatment and Management For Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat pelvic floor dysfunction without surgery. Some current treatments include:

Medications

Depending on the severity of your pelvic floor dysfunction, you may require medications like stool softeners to keep your bowel movements regular. You may also require medications to help relieve your pelvic pain.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy

Typically the first-line treatment is going to pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you learn exercises that will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and help you gain better control and coordination of these muscles. Pelvic floor muscle training has yielded excellent results for those with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Biofeedback therapy

Biofeedback is typically done alongside pelvic floor exercises. Your physiotherapist will use a video and special sensors to assess your pelvic floor muscles to determine where you need to improve your muscle coordination.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques, like taking warm baths and going to yoga classes, can help relieve your pelvic tension. These techniques also aim at reducing stress, which can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Surgery

Surgery for pelvic floor dysfunction is considered when non-surgical treatment has not worked and can be considered when there is pelvic organ prolapse or severe incontinence. Surgical procedures include sling procedures for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Tips and Tricks for Daily Management

Living with pelvic floor dysfunction definitely comes with its challenges, but here are some tips and tricks for daily management.

Maintaining a positive outlook

It's easy to fall into a negative mindset when you're experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. But it's important to maintain a positive outlook - after all, your mental and physical health are often intertwined. Practice gratitude and do the things that bring you joy.

Avoid activities that cause pain

If you have pelvic floor dysfunction, you may find it painful to lift heavy objects and participate in high-impact activities. However, you can still maintain your fitness through gentle exercises like walking, yoga and swimming.

Follow a healthy meal plan and drink lots of water

You should drink around 2 litres of water a day if you want to avoid constipation. Following a healthy meal plan can also help ensure that your bowel movements are regular and soft. Chat with your GP or dietician about healthy foods they can recommend for your condition.

Wear pads and leak-proof underwear

Do you experience urinary incontinence? You may want to invest in leak-proof underwear to help you feel confident throughout the day. Here at Jude, we have a range of leak-proof pants and comfortable bamboo pads that can absorb up to 8 teaspoons of urine.

Take bladder care supplements

If you want to support your bladder, you may consider bladder supplements. These supplements contain natural ingredients and are designed to prevent leaks related to overactive bladder. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting any supplement to ensure it suits your individual health needs.

FAQs

What conditions are mistaken for pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can often be mistaken for (or occur alongside) irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic organ prolapse, erectile dysfunction, anorectal conditions, constipation, and interstitial cystitis.

When should I see a doctor about pelvic floor dysfunction?

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, you should visit your GP as soon as possible. Your GP can diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction and present you with the best treatment options for you.

Your GP may perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and medical history to determine whether or not you are experiencing any pelvic floor disorders.

Can pelvic floor dysfunction go away on its own?

Unfortunately not. In fact, most symptoms are likely to get worse if you don't seek treatment. This is why it is important to get a diagnosis from your GP so that you can move forward with managing your symptoms.

What is hypertonic pelvic floor disorder?

Hypertonic pelvic floor disorder is a type of pelvic floor dysfunction caused by muscle spasms and muscular contraction in the pelvic region. Data suggests that roughly 10% of the population experiences this type of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Final Thoughts

Pelvic floor dysfunction is an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing condition for many women. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage the symptoms and lead a fulfilling and happy life.

Here at Jude, we aim to destigmatise pelvic floor disorders by providing helpful resources and a range of products to support conditions like urinary incontinence.

Our pads and leak-proof pants are perfect for those who struggle with some types of pelvic floor dysfunction which lead to leaks and they may help you stay dry and confident throughout the day!

Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.