Millions of people suffer from pelvic floor weakness, but many don’t know it. This article will discuss all aspects of pelvic floor weakness including what it is, what causes it and how to treat it.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, bowel and uterus. It helps keep these organs in place and also controls bladder and bowel movements. If the pelvic floor is weak, it can’t do its job properly and this can lead to problems.
Signs of a Weak Pelvic Floor
Symptoms of a weak pelvic floor can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or jump
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
- Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor and discuss treatment options.
Causes
There are many different things that can cause a weak pelvic floor, but some of the most common causes include pregnancy, childbirth and obesity. Pregnancy and childbirth can stretch and damage the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, and obesity can put extra pressure on these muscles and make them weaker.
Other causes of pelvic floor weakness include age, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and radiation therapy for cancer.
Treatment
There are many different treatments for pelvic floor weakness, depending on the cause. If the weakness is caused by childbirth or obesity, then weight loss and exercise may be recommended. If the pelvic floor is weak due to age or other conditions, then pelvic floor exercises may be recommended. Some of these exercises may include kegel exercises, pelvic tilts and squats. Talk to your gynecologist about the different treatment and exercise options. You may be referred to a pelvic floor specialist.
If you have any symptoms of a weak pelvic floor, talk to our providers at Women’s Health of Central Virginia. Call (434) 239-7890 to request an appointment.
