Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are far more common than many women realize—and yet they often go undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma, embarrassment, or the belief that symptoms are just a normal part of aging or childbirth. In reality, PFDs can have a profound impact on daily comfort, confidence, and quality of life. The good news? Effective treatments are available, and no one has to suffer in silence.
What Is a Pelvic Floor Disorder?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments that support the bladder, rectum, uterus, and vagina. When these muscles become weak, stretched, or damaged, a range of issues can occur known as pelvic floor disorders.
Common types of PFDs include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (when pelvic organs shift out of place)
- Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
- Fecal incontinence
- Difficulty with bowel movements or emptying the bladder
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic region
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorders
PFD symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to significant disruptions in daily life. You may experience:
- A feeling of heaviness or “something falling out” in the pelvic area
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels completely
- Pain during sex or in the lower abdomen
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and treatment can help.
Risk Factors for Pelvic Floor Disorders
PFDs can affect women of all ages, but certain factors increase your risk, including:
- Vaginal childbirth, especially multiple deliveries
- Aging and menopause
- Chronic constipation or heavy lifting
- Obesity
- Hysterectomy or pelvic surgery
- Genetics or connective tissue disorders
Recognizing these risks can help you take proactive steps toward prevention or early treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For many women, conservative treatments are highly effective, especially in the early stages of a pelvic floor disorder.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy is often the first line of treatment, involving exercises (like Kegels), biofeedback, and muscle retraining to strengthen and support the pelvic floor.
- Lifestyle changes such as managing weight, addressing chronic constipation, and avoiding heavy lifting can also reduce symptoms.
- Pessaries, small devices inserted into the vagina, can support prolapsed organs and improve bladder control.
- Medications may be prescribed for urgency, frequency, or bowel-related symptoms.
Surgical Treatments for Pelvic Floor Disorders
When non-surgical options aren’t enough, surgery may be recommended. These procedures aim to restore the normal position of pelvic organs, improve function, and relieve discomfort.
Common surgical options include:
- Vaginal or abdominal pelvic organ prolapse repair
- Sling procedures for urinary incontinence
- Rectal or bladder support surgeries
Most procedures are minimally invasive and offer high success rates with shorter recovery times.
The Role of a Urogynecologist
A urogynecologist is a physician specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. They’re experts in diagnosing and treating PFDs, offering both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your needs.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder, a urogynecologist, like Dr. Ghomi in Totowa, NJ, can help you understand your options and develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
You don’t have to live with discomfort or embarrassment! If you’re struggling with pelvic floor symptoms, contact Dr. Ghomi at (862) 657-3150. Relief is possible, and you deserve to feel like yourself again.
Sources:
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/pelvic-floor-disorders
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pelvicfloor/conditioninfo/treatment
