Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

What is Pelvic floor dysfunction?

​Pelvic floor dysfunction is when the muscles in your pelvic floor aren’t working correctly. This can be caused by under or overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles.
 
Pelvic floor dysfunction with overactivity or underactivity of the muscle can be caused by a number of things:

Underactivity / weakness

• The prolonged weight of the growing faetus during pregnancy
• Vaginal birth
• Straining on the toilet
• Prolonged coughing or sneezing
• High impact sports

Overactivity

• episiotomy or OASI tears and associated scarring
• Sexual trauma or physical violence
• Trauma to the pelvis or coccyx from a fall or accident
• Long term abdominal pain from conditions such as IBS or endometriosis
• Stress

What can pelvic floor dysfunction lead to?

​Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to symptoms such as:
Urinary incontinence
Faecal incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Dyspareunia (painful sex)
Pelvic Pain

​How do you assess the pelvic floor?

​The pelvic floor can be assessed using diagnostic ultrasound. Using imagery you can assess whether the pelvic floor is able to contract and fully relax through the muscle range.
It is also possible to assess the pelvic floor with digital examination and by observation. Your women’s health physio will be able to assess the strength of your pelvic floor.

 How do you treat pelvic floor dysfunction?

​There are lots of techniques that a women’s health physio can use to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. If you are experiencing any symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction listed above, please seek help from your local women’s health physio.