Do I Have Pelvic Floor Disorders?

If you are a woman, do you feel heaviness, fullness, or aching in your vagina that gets worse by the end of the day or is associated with bowel movements?

If you are a woman, can you feel or see a bulge in or coming out of your vagina?

Is it difficult for you to start urinating or completely empty your bladder?

Do you happen to leak urine while coughing, laughing or exercising?

Do you feel an urgent or frequent need to urinate?

Do you feel pain while urinating?

Do you happen to leak stool or have difficulty controlling gasses?

Do you have constipation, straining or pain during bowel movements?

Do you have pain or pressure in the rectum?

Do you have difficulty getting to the bathroom on time?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor consists of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support organs located in the pelvis such as the bladder, rectum, prostate (in men), uterus and vagina (in women). The pelvic floor muscles are usually firm and thick and, like a "hammock", hold the pelvic organs in place. In case of damage or weakening of these muscles, various problems can occur, including pelvic organ prolapse, and problems with bladder or bowel control. Pelvic floor disorders are common among women. They are not serious health problems, but they can impair a person's quality of life.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor disorders refer to a group of disorders that occur when the muscles, ligaments or tissues of the pelvic floor are weak, damaged or torn. A damaged pelvic floor cannot provide the adequate support to your pelvic organs, which can lead to improper functioning of the intestines, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Pelvic floor disorders are more common in women than in men, and they usually manifest as urine leakage or pelvic organ prolapse. The frequency increases with aging, but they are not a normal part of it, and should be treated.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor disorders are common medical conditions that are caused by the weakness of the structures that make up the pelvic floor (muscles, connective tissue, ligaments). Commonly, factors that can contribute to the development of pelvic floor disorders are childbirth, traumatic pelvic injuries, obesity and strenuous exercise. Pelvic floor disorders can also run in your family. They can often be reversed or improved by treatment, which includes biofeedback, physical therapy, medication, dietary changes and surgery. These treatment options can often be combined in order to achieve the best results.