Pelvic Floor Disorders

What Are Pelvic Floor Disorders?

Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFDs) refer to a group of conditions that occur when the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weakened or damaged. These disorders can affect the bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum, or bowel, often leading to problems with urination, bowel movements, or sexual function.

PFDs are common, especially among women after childbirth, surgery, or menopause, but they are not a normal part of aging and can be treated effectively.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a network of muscles and tissues that forms a supportive sling at the base of the pelvis. It holds up important organs like:

• The bladder (controls urine)
• The uterus (in women)
• The rectum (controls stool)
• The vagina (in women)

When these muscles become weak or stretched, the pelvic organs can drop (prolapse) or lose function.

Types of Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

One or more pelvic organs drop from their normal position into or outside the vaginal canal.

• Cystocele (bladder prolapse)
• Rectocele (rectal prolapse)
• Uterine prolapse
• Enterocele (small bowel prolapse)
• Vaginal vault prolapse (post-hysterectomy)

Symptoms:

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
• A bulge or “something falling out” of the vagina
• Difficulty urinating or emptying the bowel
• Discomfort during intercourse

Urinary Incontinence

Loss of bladder control leading to unintentional urine leakage.

• Stress incontinence: Leaking during coughing, laughing, or exercise
• Urge incontinence: Sudden, strong urge to urinate with leakage
• Mixed incontinence: Combination of stress and urge types

Fecal Incontinence

Involuntary loss of gas or stool due to weakened rectal muscles or nerve damage.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty controlling bowel movements
• Leaking stool when passing gas or during physical activity

Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction

Chronic pelvic pain or muscle spasms can also be due to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Symptoms:

• Persistent lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Difficulty starting or completing urination or bowel movements

Causes and Risk Factors

• Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
• Aging and menopause (loss of estrogen weakens tissue support)
• Hysterectomy or pelvic surgery
• Chronic constipation or straining
• Obesity
• Repetitive heavy lifting
• Smoking or chronic cough
• Neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually involves:

• Medical history and symptom review
• Pelvic examination (sometimes with the patient standing and straining)
• Bladder function tests (urodynamic studies)
• Ultrasound or MRI of pelvic structures
• Cystoscopy or colonoscopy if needed

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disorder, and whether the patient wants to preserve fertility or avoid surgery.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight loss
• Treating chronic cough or constipation
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Smoking cessation

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

• Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
• Biofeedback to improve muscle awareness
• Electrical stimulation for muscle re-education
• Manual therapy to release muscle tension

Medications

• Topical estrogen (for postmenopausal women) to improve tissue tone
• Anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists for overactive bladder

Pessary Devices

• A removable silicone device inserted into the vagina to support prolapsed organs
• A good non-surgical option for women not ready for or unable to have surgery

Surgery

Surgical repair may be necessary for severe prolapse or incontinence that doesn’t respond to conservative therapy.

• Sling procedures (for urinary incontinence)
• Pelvic organ suspension or hysterectomy (for prolapse)
• Reconstructive pelvic surgery (minimally invasive or open)

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Pelvic Floor Care?

Aster Hospitals provides compassionate and confidential care for pelvic floor disorders through a multidisciplinary team of urogynecologists, Paediatric Orthopaedicians, urologists, and colorectal specialists. We offer accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging and urodynamic testing, followed by customized pelvic rehabilitation programs led by certified therapists. Our experts are skilled in both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored plan focused on restoring comfort, function, and quality of life. With a strong emphasis on patient education and long-term support, we empower individuals dealing with incontinence, prolapse, or pelvic pain to regain confidence and well-being.