Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Doctor in Houston
What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition where you can’t properly relax and coordinate the muscles in your pelvic floor to urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement (poop). The pelvic floor muscles act as the foundation supporting the bladder, uterus, prostate, and rectum. When functioning normally, these muscles tighten and relax like other muscles in your body, such as your biceps when lifting a heavy box or clenching your fist.
However, with pelvic floor dysfunction, these muscles remain tense instead of relaxing, which can lead to:
- Difficulty evacuating a bowel movement.
- Incomplete bowel movements.
- Leakage of urine or stool.
- Pain during intercourse (for those assigned female at birth).
- Erectile dysfunction (for those assigned male at birth).
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Frequent bathroom visits.
- Frequently starting and stopping during urination.
- Straining or pushing to pass a bowel movement.
- Changing positions or using your hand to help eliminate stool.
- Constipation (often linked with pelvic floor dysfunction).
- Fecal incontinence (leaking stool).
- Urinary incontinence (leaking urine).
- Painful urination.
- Unexplained low back pain.
- Ongoing pain in the pelvic region, genitals, or rectum, with or without a bowel movement.
Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The exact cause of pelvic floor dysfunction is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
- Traumatic injuries to the pelvic area (e.g., car accidents, falls).
- Overuse of pelvic muscles (straining).
- Previous pelvic surgeries (e.g., hysterectomy, prostatectomy).
- Pregnancy and childbirth, especially difficult deliveries.
- Aging, which can weaken muscles over time.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Connective tissue disorders.
Conditions Mistaken for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be confused with other conditions such as:
- Interstitial cystitis: Causes pelvic or bladder pain, which can lead to muscle tension in the pelvic floor.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Shares symptoms like constipation and difficulty emptying the bowels.
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): Occurs when pelvic organs protrude into the vagina due to weakened support muscles.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): Sometimes caused by pelvic muscle tension or pain.
- Prostatitis: An infection or inflammation of the prostate with similar symptoms.
- Constipation: Can mimic or lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Anorectal conditions: Issues like fissures or fistulas can resemble pelvic floor dysfunction.
Diagnosis and Tests
Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including questions like:
- Do you strain to poop?
- Are you able to empty your bladder?
- Do you feel empty after a bowel movement?
- How often do you poop or pee?
- For those assigned female at birth, questions about pregnancies and pain during sex may be asked.
Tests for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Physical exam: To check muscle control, spasms, knots, or weaknesses.
- Rectal and pelvic exams: To further assess the pelvic floor muscles.
- Anorectal manometry: Measures anal sphincter function and muscle coordination.
- Defecating proctogram: Assesses bowel movement function and checks for anatomical abnormalities.
- Urodynamics: Evaluates bladder emptying and flow, indicating pelvic floor dysfunction.
Management and Treatment
Treatment Options
Pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable without surgery. Options include:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: Exercises to stretch and improve muscle coordination.
- Biofeedback: Monitors muscle activity to guide improvements in muscle control.
- Medications: Stool softeners and medications to keep bowel movements soft and regular.
- Relaxation techniques: Meditation, warm baths, yoga, and acupuncture to relieve muscle tension.
- Trigger point injections: Numbing medications injected into overly tense muscles if other treatments don’t help.
Outlook / Prognosis
Restoring Pelvic Floor Function
It may take several months of physical therapy to notice improvements, but most people see results. Biofeedback helps over three-quarters of individuals gain better muscle control.
Persistence of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Without treatment, pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms typically persist or worsen. It is treatable, but professional diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Living With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Self-Care Tips
- Stick to your care plan: Don’t skip medications or therapy appointments.
- Avoid activities that increase pelvic floor tension: Heavy lifting or repetitive jumping can worsen symptoms.
- Hydrate and eat a balanced diet: Drink plenty of water and avoid foods that exacerbate symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Doctor in Houston
