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Published in General on Jun 28th 2024

Pelvic Floor Health: Understanding and Addressing Common Issues

For women, pelvic health is essential for their overall well-being. The pelvic floor muscles extend across the base of the pelvis and provide support for the bladder, bowel, and uterus.
Here’s what you need to know about common pelvic floor issues, treatment methods, and getting professional help for any concerns:

Common Pelvic Floor Issues

Many women experience pelvic floor issues, which can vary in severity depending on the condition. The most common pelvic floor issues include:

1. Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine, can be caused by childbirth, menopause, and certain medications. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and doing Kegel exercises can help prevent it.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the organ, resulting in abdominal pain and discomfort during periods. Currently, there is no known way to prevent endometriosis, but maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk. Symptoms can be treated with medication or, in some cases, surgery.

3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition where the pelvic organs sag into the vaginal canal. It can occur due to childbirth, menopause, and certain medical conditions. You can reduce your risk of pelvic organ prolapse by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Additionally, avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, such as heavy lifting, can be helpful.

4. Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections are common and occur due to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, causing itching, burning, and discharge. You can prevent vaginal yeast infections by maintaining good hygiene habits, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and taking probiotics to support healthy bacteria levels.

5. Sexual Health

Sexually active women should use protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Additionally, effective communication with your sexual partner can help prevent pelvic floor issues from arising.

Pelvic Floor Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available for pelvic floor issues based on your specific concerns, including:

• Pelvic floor exercises: Your OB/GYN can recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may be used to alleviate menopause-related symptoms and improve overall pelvic health.
• Vaginal pessaries: These devices, either elastic or rigid, are inserted into the vagina to provide support for the pelvic organs.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy for pelvic floor disorders may include exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to strengthen muscles, improve function, and reduce symptoms.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address pelvic floor issues.

Improve Your Pelvic Floor Health Today

Pelvic floor health is an essential part of women's healthcare. If you have any questions or concerns about your pelvic floor, it's important to speak to an OB/GYN as soon as possible. At Pacific Women's OB/GYN Medical Group, we offer a wide range of obstetrical and gynecological services and can help you improve your pelvic floor health. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with our expert team.