What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a complicated concern, as it can internally interfere with many of the systems actively working in your body, not just the organs it lives to protect. When your pelvic floor experiences dysfunction, your organs are at risk.
The major risk factors involved with pelvic floor dysfunction are all related to loss of control or an inability to control functions like bladder, bowel, and individual functions related to sex. When this loss of control becomes chronic, it can be diagnosed as a Pelvic Floor disorder.
Luckily, at Women’s Health Arizona, we have the extensive knowledge required to address this loss of control accordingly and restore the functionality of the organs controlled by the pelvic floor.
Get Your Routine Pelvic Floor Exam with Women’s Health Arizona
Built-in to your annual Well-Woman exam with Women’s Health Arizona is an examination of your pelvic floor’s current condition. During this exam, we will utilize a speculum tool to scan your pelvic floor internally for any signs of cysts, irritation, or irregularities that could compromise your pelvic floor. We understand that this kind of internal examination may bring forth feelings of anxiety. We are prepared to carefully administer this exam with your safety and solace in mind. Visit us in the Greater Phoenix and Prescott areas for mindful, forward-thinking care.
When to Contact Your Provider About Your Pelvic Floor Health
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when your pelvic floor muscles tighten at times when they should relax. This may cause you to experience:
- Frequent need to use the restroom
- Constipation
- Leaking stool or urine (incontinence)
- Painful urination
- Unexplained lower back pain
- Ongoing pain in the pelvic region
- Problems inserting tampons
These issues can happen for a variety of reasons, including traumatic injuries to the pelvic area, pregnancy, overuse, pelvic surgery, aging, or obesity. Pelvic floor dysfunction may also be a hereditary condition that runs in your family.
If you’re concerned about your pelvic floor health, speak with your Women’s Health Arizona provider.
Additional Tests for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
To thoroughly track where and why you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, we offer a few other tests at Women’s Health Arizona that aim to minimize the random discovery of malfunctions. When you visit any of our offices in the Greater Phoenix and Prescott areas, you will receive voluntary access to anorectal manometry, defecating proctogram, and urodynamics. You can opt-in for a rectal exam as an additional part of the pelvic floor exam if necessary. We believe in total transparency at Women’s Health Arizona, and this starts and ends with examination.
Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Women’s Health Arizona offers a range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction if we discover any abnormalities at the time of examination. Know that all treatments are fully customizable, and you can choose which exam you feel is right for you.
Surgical Treatments
At Women’s Health Arizona, we aim to maintain complete transparency in the treatments that we offer. Below is more information about our surgical treatments to correct pelvic floor dysfunction:
- Bladder Sling: Because one of the main signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a leaky bladder, our first recommended surgical solution is a Bladder or Midurethral Sling. A Bladder Sling is conducted exactly as it sounds: our surgeons will make two small incisions at the pubic area, inserting a small “sling” made of surgical-grade mesh under the opening of the bladder.
- Sacral Colpopexy: The second recommended option we will employ at Women’s Health Arizona is a Sacral Colpopexy. This surgery focuses on the vagina in the case that it has been disconnected from the body. A sacral colpopexy is conducted through the abdomen, where a surgical strap is used to pull back the vagina into its original place.
- Anal Sphincter Repair: For bowel-related inconsistencies, we will focus on repairing the anal sphincter by injecting medication that will stimulate the nerves used to control bowel functions. A stimulator can also be inserted to get your anal sphincter back on track. If left untreated, these bowel inconsistencies can tear apart a pelvic floor. Talk to us at Women’s Health Arizona for bowel reparation.
Non-surgical Treatments
For those who want to avoid the invasive nature of surgery, we offer non-surgical treatments. Each of our non-surgical treatments allows for the body to repair itself exponentially and without shock. Alleviate your pelvic floor treatment concerns by reaching out to us at Women’s Health Arizona.
- Bladder Training: We will create a urination schedule for you that will slowly improve the speed and method at which your body urinates.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Also known as Kegel exercise, pelvic floor muscle training involves a set of exercises that squeeze your pelvic floor muscles, reshaping their ability to function correctly.
- Medicine: Medicine can be prescribed by us that will give you back control of your bladder and bowel functions, preventing constipation and irritation.
- Vaginal Pessary: A vaginal pessary can be placed inside your vagina to control bladder functions, directly improving organ functions.
Talk to Your Provider Today
The caring, compassionate providers at Women’s Health Arizona are here to care for all your women’s healthcare needs, including your pelvic floor health. Contact us today to request an appointment.
