Urogynecology

What Pelvic Floor Disorders Does a Urogynecologist Treat?

The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles that support your bladder, rectum, and uterus. The muscles form a type of sling that holds the pelvic organs in place. Some of your pelvic floor muscles also control urination and bowel movements.

The primary pelvic floor disorders include:

• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Urinary incontinence
• Anal incontinence

These disorders occur when your pelvic floor muscles have stretched, weakened, or become damaged. As a result, they can’t support the weight of the organs or properly control urinary and bowel function.

What Weakens Pelvic Floor Muscles?

Your pelvic floor muscles can lose tone and strength as you get older, but pelvic floor disorders are not a normal part of aging. You’re more likely to develop pelvic floor problems when the muscles become stretched during vaginal childbirth.

Other possible causes include hormonal changes at menopause, lifting heavy objects, and being overweight, which adds pressure to the muscles.

What Should I Know About Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

When weak pelvic floor muscles fail to support the pelvic organs, they can prolapse or slip down from their normal position. There are three types of pelvic organ prolapse:

• Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus prolapses, it pushes against the vagina, causing a noticeable bulge in the vaginal wall. In a very severe case, the uterus may protrude out of the vagina.
• Cystocele: A cystocele occurs when your bladder drops out of its normal position. A prolapsed bladder also pushes against your vagina.
• Rectocele: When the tissue that separates the rectum from your vagina weakens, the rectum can push against the vaginal wall. This type of prolapse is called a rectocele.

What Symptoms Develop When I Have a Pelvic Floor Disorder?

Your symptoms depend on the type of pelvic floor disorder.

Urinary and bowel symptoms include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Partial or complete incontinence
• Constipation, straining, or pain during bowel movements

Pelvic prolapse symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain
• Bulge in the vagina
• Pain or pressure in the vagina
• Heavy feeling in the pelvis

How are Urogynecologic Problems Treated?

Your treatment for a pelvic floor disorder is always customized to the type of disorder and its severity. In many cases, women can improve their symptoms by practicing exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Other treatment options include a range of medications, devices like a pessary, nerve stimulation, and surgical intervention to replace prolapsed organs and rebuild pelvic floor muscles.

To receive personalized urogynecological care, call May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology or book an appointment online.