Pelvic floor disorder covers different conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, faecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence. These conditions are common, affecting about one in four women. One in two of these women usually experience uncomfortable symptoms in their 60s.
Although pelvic floor disorder is common, it should be regarded as a normal aspect of ageing you need to live with. A normal condition is different from a common one, and you should get treatment for treatable conditions.
You can find answers below to some common pelvic floor disorder questions if you have pelvic floor disorder. These answers should help you know more about the condition when you need to see your doctor and the way to get relieved.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor houses muscles supporting the rectum, bladder, colon, vagina and uterus. These pelvic floor muscles play an important role in sexual health and your ability to achieve pleasure during sex.
Different things can weaken the pelvic muscles, such as age-related hormonal changes and childbirth. You may experience faecal or urinary leakage problems when your pelvic floor tissues and muscles weaken and can’t provide sufficient control and support. Prolapse occurs when the pelvis and the vagina organs drop into or outside the vaginal opening. In any of the above situation, you should consult with the doctor without further delay.
What symptoms does pelvic floor dysfunction present?
The common pelvic floor disorder symptoms include feeling a bulge in the vagina, faecal and urinary incontinence, and difficulty emptying the bowel during bowel movements. Prolapse causes a feeling of something falling out of the vagina.
Ensure you seek immediate medical care if you experience these symptoms. It is important to share your concerns with your doctor when they become bothersome but haven’t affected your quality of life.
What happens when you do not treat the symptoms?
Incontinence and leakage are not life-threatening symptoms, but over time, these symptoms worsen. Chronic conditions do not get resolved without treatment, and avoiding treatment can lead to more discomfort and possibly additional damages that affect your daily activities.
When do I need to visit a specialist?
You can consult your gynaecologist or primary care doctor if you notice changes when using the bathroom or experience bothersome pelvic symptoms. Seeing a doctor is particularly important if you are more susceptible to these disorders or an older woman.
Aurogynaecologist is a specialist who treats pelvic floor dysfunction and its symptoms. Your specialist can carry out precise tests to diagnose the conditions and recommend the most effective treatment since they specialise in treating pelvic floor disorders.
What treatment is available for pelvic floor disorders?
The most effective treatment depends on the conditions. Different treatment options range from simple, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and Kegel exercises to nerve stimulation and injections. If your condition is more serious, the urogynaecologist may recommend surgery.
Do I need surgery to treat pelvic floor dysfunction?
Whether you need surgery for pelvic floor dysfunction will depend on the severity of the condition. In some cases, a procedure to provide support, prevent incontinence, or correct prolapse is necessary. Some procedures will need to do vaginally, requiring no external incisions.
Does insurance cover pelvic floor surgery?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common medical condition, and insurance usually covers the surgical procedure for its correction. Some people think that surgery for pelvic floor dysfunction is a cosmetic procedure. The condition is not life-threatening, but the surgery can improve your quality of life.
If you experience pelvic floor disorder symptoms, you can visit the website for booking a private GP appointment online in London. They will assess your health and determine if you need treatment.
