Pain and discomfort in your lower torso can indicate a problem with your pelvic floor muscles. If these muscles don’t function properly, you can encounter issues with your bowel movement and your ability to urinate. If you think you have problems with your pelvic floor muscles, consider pelvic floor physical therapy. Our pelvic floor specialists at Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists will assist you.
Symptoms Of A Dysfunctional Pelvic Floor
Over time, our pelvic floor muscles can become weak, and the ligaments can stretch. Extra strain can increase the chance of a problem.
The most common symptoms include some women experience (but are not limited to):
- Incontinence (losing bladder control), especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh
- Difficulty peeing/defecating
- Prolapse (women may feel discomfort and a bulge in the vagina)
- Endometriosis
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in the pelvic region
The symptoms vary between women. Consult a pelvic floor specialist first at Atlanta Obstetrics And Gynecology Specialists.
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
At Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists, pelvic floor therapy is recommended for various treatments related to the bowel, bladder, abdomen, sexual activity, and lower back, depending on your symptoms. After ruling out anatomic, dietary, and other factors, a comprehensive history and digital examination are completed to diagnose.
An extensive and specialized program involving education classes, biofeedback training, pelvic retraining exercises, etc., is then carried out by our therapists. The regimen may change over time as you make improvements.
How Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Affects Women
Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the issue. Controlling one’s bowels or bladder is a common issue. Urine leakage or incontinence, hyperactive bladder, bladder discomfort, or repeated bladder infections can all be caused by muscle weakness and/or nerve impairment in this region.
For younger women, reproductive health can be affected when the pelvic floor muscles don’t work correctly, affecting the vagina and uterus. It may also cause pain during intercourse.
When Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Recommended?
Treatment is determined individually, considering all the factors before deciding on a program and making a diagnosis.
At Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists, we understand the discomfort and pain you may be going through. Call us to learn more about pelvic floor therapy and let us help.
