What are the signs that you might have pelvic floor dysfunction? Let's talk about it.
Pelvic floor dysfunction means that the muscles and ligaments that hold your pelvic organs in place are stretched out. It affects 25% of women in the US.
Pelvic floor disorders are defined as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic dysfunction can affect women who have been pregnant and especially after a vaginal delivery of a very large baby or multiple vaginal deliveries. It can happen post-surgically, when the pelvic floor muscles that hold your bladder and uterus in place are weakened.
Signs of pelvic dysfunction are a bulging sensation in the perineal or vaginal area. It can cause urinary incontinence, particularly stress incontinence where you cough or sneeze and lose a little bit of urine. Further, it can cause urinary urgency or difficulty initiating urination.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can also interfere with proper bowel movements, as the rectal vault is not well supported, and you may have trouble having a bowel movement or cannot control your bowels with involuntary loss of stool. A vaginal herniation called a rectocele is when the backside of the vaginal muscle nearest the rectum separates. The rectum tends to push up into the vaginal area and it's difficult to have a bowel movement.
Uncomfortable intercourse can also be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction. One of the issues is it often interferes with high-impact exercise and activity because jumping around can cause you to lose urine.
What can you do about pelvic dysfunction?
Physical therapy, including Kegel exercises, is one of the best ways to retrain your pelvic muscles.
You can also purchase The Golden Hour Kit from Tabu!
It includes the Nuri Wand, Aureum Natural Lubricant, and a lux, satin-lined storage pouch.
**Use code - DEBORAH10 for 10% off your purchase!**
If you're menopausal you may need some vaginal estrogen to help increase circulation and tone the vagina while you're practicing Kegel exercises or doing vaginal physical therapy.
If you need more information about pelvic floor dysfunction, please join us in our Hormone Reboot Training.
**This site sometimes contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Rest assured, we only recommend products we've used and love.**
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the most common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?
The most common symptoms include urinary leakage (especially when coughing, sneezing, or exercising), a sensation of heaviness or bulging in the vaginal or perineal area, difficulty starting or stopping urination, pelvic pain, uncomfortable intercourse, and trouble with bowel movements including constipation or accidental leakage of stool
What does pelvic floor dysfunction feel like?
Many women describe it as a feeling of pressure, fullness, or something "falling out" in the pelvic area. Others notice it mainly through bladder leaks during physical activity or a persistent urge to urinate that's hard to control. Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to constant and disruptive.
Can pelvic floor dysfunction cause painful sex?
Yes. When pelvic floor muscles are weakened or poorly coordinated, intercourse can feel uncomfortable or painful. This is often more pronounced in perimenopausal and menopausal women, when declining estrogen reduces vaginal tissue tone and lubrication alongside pelvic floor changes.
Is urinary leakage during exercise always pelvic floor dysfunction?
Leaking urine during high-impact activity — running, jumping, or lifting — is a hallmark sign of stress urinary incontinence, which is one of the three primary pelvic floor disorders. It doesn't always mean structural prolapse, but it does indicate the pelvic floor muscles need attention and support.
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction in women?
The most common causes include vaginal childbirth (especially large babies or multiple deliveries), pelvic surgery, chronic straining, hormonal changes during menopause, and aging. These factors stretch or weaken the muscles and ligaments that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
0 Comments