Am I At Risk Of Getting Pelvic Floor Disorders?

Are you a woman who has given birth (once or more)?

If you are a woman, are you going through or have you gone through menopause?

Have you had pelvic surgery (e.g. hysterectomy in women, or prostate surgery in men)?

If you are a man, do you have an enlarged prostate?

Do you have a history of back pain?

Are you obese (your BMI (body mass index) is 30 or higher)?

Do you regularly do heavy lifting, either at work or in the gym?

Have you had previous trauma to the pelvic area such as a fall, or pelvic radiotherapy?

Do you regularly strain to empty your bowels?

Do you have a chronic cough or sneeze (e.g. due to asthma, smoking or hay fever)?

Do you smoke or over-consume caffeine (over 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is about four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two energy drinks a day)?

Do you have a family history of pelvic floor disorders?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of getting pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor consists of muscles, ligaments and tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place. The pelvic organs are the bladder, rectum, uterus and vagina (in women), and the prostate (in men). Pelvic floor disorders can occur when the pelvic floor muscles are damaged, stretched or weakened. Without proper muscle support, the pelvic organs can slip out of their normal position causing various inconveniences, including problems with bladder and bowel control. Pelvic floor disorders are more common in women than in men, and are related to aging, pregnancy and the number of childbirths.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of getting pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor disorders refer to a group of health conditions that result from weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. Pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (pelvic organ slips from its normal position, sometimes protruding from the vagina or anus). Various factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, including pregnancy, obesity, repeated lifting of heavy objects (at work or in the gym), trauma or pelvic surgery. It is good to know that you can consciously control the pelvic floor muscles, which means that you can train them.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of getting pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor disorders are common conditions, but are not a normal and acceptable part of aging. It is a group of disorders that are commonly caused by childbirth in women. Pelvic floor disorders can prevent you from participating in activities you enjoy. You can train and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, much like you train the arm muscles. Talk to your doctor about Kegel exercises, bladder training and relaxation exercises. Certain dietary and lifestyle changes such as reduced caffeine intake can also help to reduce your risk of pelvic floor disorders.