Common misconceptions about pelvic floor dysfunction
Navigating pelvic floor health is crucial for everyone, yet pelvic floor dysfunction often falls prey to misunderstandings and myths. Without a comprehensive guide to pelvic floor dysfunction or the support of a pelvic health physio, it can be challenging to distinguish fact from fiction. Here are the common pelvic floor dysfunction misconceptions you need to know.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a condition where the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the pelvic floor don’t function properly. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a sling or hammock across the bottom of the pelvis, supporting the pelvic organs including the bladder, uterus (in women) and rectum. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions such as bowel and bladder control and sexual function.
Pelvic floor myths you need to know
Misconception 1: Only women experience pelvic floor dysfunction
Contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor dysfunction is not exclusive to women; it affects both men and women across various age groups. While conditions like pregnancy, childbirth and menopause can predispose women to PFD, men can also experience pelvic floor issues due to factors like prostate surgery, chronic constipation, obesity and ageing.
For men, pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest as urinary incontinence, difficulty with bowel movements, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Meanwhile, female pelvic floor dysfunction commonly presents as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain syndromes and discomfort during sexual activity.
Misconception 2: Pelvic floor dysfunction is a natural part of ageing
While age can play a role in pelvic floor health, pelvic floor dysfunction is not an inevitable consequence of getting older. Factors such as lifestyle choices, childbirth, hormonal changes and chronic conditions can significantly impact the pelvic floor muscles and their function over time. For women, the strain of multiple pregnancies and vaginal deliveries can weaken the pelvic floor, leading to symptoms like urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
However, proactive measures such as pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight and practising good bowel habits can mitigate these effects. Early intervention through pelvic floor dysfunction physiotherapy, which focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles, can also play a crucial role in preventing and managing PFD.
Misconception 3: Surgery is the only pelvic floor dysfunction treatment
Surgery is not the sole pelvic floor dysfunction cure. A range of effective non-surgical treatments exist that can alleviate symptoms and improve pelvic floor function. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, for instance, focuses on strengthening and coordinating the muscles through targeted exercises and techniques like biofeedback.
Supervised pelvic floor muscle training after an individual exam can also improve some symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (like pelvic organ prolapse, stress and mixed urinary incontinence, and faecal incontinence with coexisting pelvic organ prolapse). Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, adopting good bowel and bladder habits and practising relaxation techniques can further support pelvic floor health.
These non-invasive approaches not only address symptoms but also address underlying issues contributing to PFD, offering individuals a holistic approach to managing their condition without resorting to surgery unless absolutely necessary.
Misconception 4: Pelvic floor muscle exercises are the cure-all for pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic floor muscle exercises typically involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to improve strength and endurance. While these can be beneficial when done correctly, performing them without a holistic treatment plan and the guidance of an expert could be harmful. Moreover, pelvic floor muscle exercises may not address underlying issues contributing to PFD, such as lifestyle factors.
An effective approach involves a tailored treatment plan that considers individual needs and circumstances. By collaborating with women to develop customised treatment plans, Papaya Clinic ensures comprehensive care that goes beyond muscle exercises to effectively manage and improve pelvic floor function.
Misconception 5: Pelvic floor dysfunction only involves incontinence
Pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses a wide spectrum of symptoms beyond incontinence. While urinary and faecal incontinence are common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, it can also involve pelvic pain syndromes such as chronic pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Additionally, individuals may experience bowel issues like constipation or difficulty with bowel movements due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
PFD can vary greatly among individuals, with some experiencing multiple symptoms simultaneously while others may present with isolated issues. It's crucial for anyone experiencing unexplained pelvic symptoms to seek a diagnosis from a pelvic health professional. During your first pelvic health physio appointment, your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive pelvic health assessment to determine the underlying causes of symptoms and guide personalised treatment strategies.
Misconception 6: You should avoid exercise if you have pelvic floor dysfunction
Some believe that those with pelvic floor dysfunction should avoid exercise, but appropriate physical activity can actually be beneficial for pelvic floor health. Exercise helps maintain overall fitness, improves circulation and supports weight management, which can indirectly benefit pelvic floor function. However, it's essential for men and women with PFD to choose exercises that minimise strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and cycling are generally well-tolerated and can enhance pelvic floor stability. Physio-led pelvic floor exercises focusing on core and pelvic floor muscles can also help strengthen and support the pelvic floor. Before starting any exercise regimen, consult with a pelvic health physio to ensure that you only do exercises that are safe and effective for your body.
Misconception 7: Pelvic floor dysfunction will resolve on its own
It can be tempting to hope that pelvic floor dysfunction will resolve on its own, especially if symptoms are mild or intermittent. However, waiting for symptoms to worsen or become painful before seeking help can lead to more serious complications down the road. Early intervention and treatment are crucial in managing pelvic floor dysfunction effectively.
Without proper care, PFD can progress and impact various aspects of daily life, including urinary and bowel function, sexual health and overall quality of life. Untreated PFD may contribute to chronic pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse and ongoing discomfort. Therefore, it's essential to prioritise pelvic health and seek professional help as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms of pelvic issues.
What are symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?
When the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, weak or impaired in coordination, it can lead to a range of symptoms and problems, including:
Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur with activities like coughing, sneezing or exercise (stress incontinence), or with a sudden urge to urinate (urge incontinence).
Faecal incontinence: Involuntary leakage of stool or difficulty controlling bowel movements.
Pelvic organ prolapse: Descent or bulging of one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) into the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor support.
Pelvic pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region, which can include pain during intercourse, discomfort in the genitals or rectum or chronic pelvic pain.
Sexual dysfunction: Difficulty achieving orgasm, pain during intercourse or decreased sexual satisfaction, often due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
Constipation: Difficulty passing stool or incomplete evacuation, sometimes caused by pelvic floor muscles that are unable to relax properly during bowel movements.
What can be mistaken for pelvic floor dysfunction?
Several conditions can share symptoms with pelvic floor dysfunction, leading to potential misdiagnosis or confusion. It's essential to differentiate these conditions to ensure you’re getting the appropriate pelvic floor dysfunction treatment. Here are some conditions that can be mistaken for pelvic floor dysfunction:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency and burning during urination, which can overlap with symptoms of PFD.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation. These symptoms can be mistaken for pelvic pain and bowel dysfunction associated with PFD.
Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often causes pelvic pain, painful periods and pain during intercourse, which can overlap with symptoms of PFD.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC): IC is a chronic bladder condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. These symptoms can mimic those of PFD, particularly in terms of urinary urgency and pelvic discomfort.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can cause pelvic pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge and pain during intercourse, which may be mistaken for symptoms of PFD.
Musculoskeletal issues: Conditions affecting the muscles, bones and joints in the pelvic region, such as pelvic girdle pain or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, can cause pain that might be mistaken for pelvic-floor-related pain.
Psychological Factors: Emotional stress, anxiety and depression can manifest as physical symptoms, including pelvic pain and urinary symptoms, which may be incorrectly attributed to PFD without considering psychological factors.
What worsens pelvic floor dysfunction?
Various factors and habits can exacerbate PFD by putting strain on the pelvic floor muscles or weakening them over time. Here are some common factors that can worsen pelvic floor dysfunction:
Chronic constipation: Straining during bowel movements can place excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to strain and potential dysfunction over time.
Frequent heavy lifting: Activities that involve repetitive heavy lifting or straining without proper technique can strain the pelvic floor muscles and weaken their support function.
High-impact exercises: Activities such as running, jumping or high-impact aerobics can increase intra-abdominal pressure, putting stress on the pelvic floor muscles. While exercise is generally beneficial, high-impact exercises may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Poor posture: Slouching or poor alignment can affect the position of the pelvic organs and increase strain on the pelvic floor muscles, contributing to dysfunction.
Obesity: Excess weight can place additional pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and organs, weakening their support and exacerbating symptoms of PFD.
Chronic coughing or sneezing: Conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma or allergies that cause frequent coughing or sneezing can strain the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to dysfunction, especially in individuals predisposed to PFD.
Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy, menopause or hormone replacement therapy, can affect pelvic floor muscle tone and function, potentially worsening symptoms.
Ignoring symptoms and delaying treatment: Ignoring symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction or delaying seeking treatment can allow the condition to progress and symptoms to worsen over time.
Poor fluid intake or diet: Dehydration or a diet lacking in fibre can contribute to constipation, which in turn can strain the pelvic floor muscles and worsen symptoms. Holistic practitioners like women’s health naturopaths can provide nutrition advice to support your pelvic floor function.
Repeated vaginal deliveries: Multiple vaginal childbirths can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue, increasing the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Understand pelvic floor dysfunction with the support of a Sydney pelvic health physio
Misconceptions about pelvic floor dysfunction can delay effective treatment and exacerbate symptoms, making it all the more important to educate yourself and seek trusted health professionals who specialise in pelvic health. By consulting knowledgeable and experienced practitioners, you can receive personalised guidance and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
At Papaya Clinic, we take an integrated approach to women’s healthcare, offering Pilates, naturopathy and pelvic floor physio services to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor while addressing broader aspects of pelvic health. Are you ready to empower yourself with accurate knowledge and professional support so you can navigate your pelvic health journey confidently and effectively? Book an appointment with our pelvic health physio in Sydney today.
