Pelvic floor disorders may be new to you, or you may believe you have one but are unsure how to deal with it. Weakness in the pelvic floor muscles may occur due to childbirth, menopause, or just becoming older. Several uncomfortable and humiliating symptoms result when the connective tissues around the pelvis can no longer adequately support the organs inside the region. There is, however, a way out. For those like you, there is a medical specialism. Women’s reproductive organs and the pelvic floor are the specialties of urogynecologists, who specialize in the supporting muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves of the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. With a Bedford Park urogynecologist, you can rest assured all your pelvic floor issues are covered. The following are some problems you should let your urogynecologist address.
Pelvic organ prolapse
The vaginal canal is surrounded by the uterus, bladder, and rectum. However, a prolapse can occur when the pelvic muscles and ligaments fail to support the weight of the organs; they may herniate or protrude into the vaginal canal. Prolapse may cause vaginal pain and heaviness, difficulty going to the bathroom, and even urine leaks (called urinary incontinence). Tissue may even be visible hanging outside the vagina when the prolapse is significant. You must seek help to avoid further complications.
Urinary incontinence
The inability to control one’s bladder results in urine leaking out. Incontinence makes it difficult for people to participate in their favorite sporting activities because of the risk of “leaks” or mishaps. While the risk of incontinence does rise with age, it is not a necessary component of becoming older. Urinary leakage should be reported to a doctor as soon as it happens to determine the kind of incontinence. Pharmaceuticals, behavioral therapies, and surgical procedures are just a few of the accessible therapeutic choices.
Fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence happens when you cannot regulate your bowels. In terms of pelvic floor disorders, this is the second most frequent. Those who suffer from it cannot retain their bowel movements until they get to the bathroom. They might also be prone to rectum leakage. Fecal incontinence affects millions of people worldwide. More than 5.5 million American men and women of various ages are afflicted, but it is more frequent among the elderly. If you suffer from fecal incontinence at any age, you should know that it is treatable. Having a better quality of life may be a result of this.
It is not just menopause that causes pelvic floor disorders. Women in their 20s and 30s who had a vaginal or C-section birth are at risk for pelvic floor issues. People who have had multiple children know this better than anyone else. Excessive bleeding and endometriosis are two more common pelvic health issues that plague young women. Heavy lifting and other demanding activities might also create problems.
It would help if you spoke with your service provider. Incontinence or pelvic discomfort may be awkward or even humiliating to confess. It is not a typical component of aging or menopause is the most crucial thing to keep in mind. The situation is not something you should accept and handle on your own. Consult your primary care physician about your symptoms and concerns first. They may be able to point you in the direction of a urogynecologist who can provide you with the specific treatment and knowledge you need.