Do You Have A Pelvic Floor Problem?
There are all kinds of health conditions and issues that are common and commonly talked about. Unfortunately, pelvic floor problems are rarely talked about, though they are serious, pervasive, and can decrease quality of life for many sufferers. And, because so few people are familiar with pelvic floor problems, they often go undiscovered and untreated, causing people not to get the help they need, which often comes in the form of pelvic reconstructive surgery. Below, you'll find some signs that you could be suffering from a pelvic floor problem, as well as some common causes of this issue. If you do come to believe, based on this information, that you may have a pelvic floor problem, you should consult a doctor immediately to explore your options for treatment and a better, more healthful life.
The Causes of Pelvic Floor Damage
Pelvic floor damage, which is said to exist when the muscles of the pelvic floor have been weakened or stretched too far, can occur for a wide range of reasons. Some of these reasons can include:
- Genetics/ a genetic predisposition toward a weak pelvic floor
- Damage related to pregnancy and/or childbirth
- Menopause
- Self-compensation for back pain, which often results in over-squeezing/over-working the pelvic floor muscles
- Being overweight or obese
- Regularly lifting heavy objects or weights
- Age
- Chronic coughing or sneezing
If you have one or more risk factors for pelvic floor problems, it is wise to check with a doctor to determine the health of your pelvic floor, even if you don't have any of the symptoms discussed below.
The Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Damage
While the symptoms of pelvic floor damage are not always evident or easy to spot and are often blamed on other things, they can become worse over time if left untreated. For that reason, it is wise for people, especially people who have a high risk for pelvic floor damage, to be aware of the symptoms of this condition so that they can get help early on. Some of the warning signs to watch out for include:
- Urinary incontinence and/or leaking urine when laughing, sneezing, etc.
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Unexplained pain in the pelvic area
- Frequent, sometimes uncontrollable urges to urinate
- Inability to control gas
- Vaginal or penile prolapse
As you can see, pelvic floor damage is serious and can greatly impact your quality of life; it doesn't have to though, especially not if you catch and treat it early enough. Thus, see a doctor if you are at an increased risk for pelvic floor damage and keep an eye out for the symptoms as well. To learn more, contact a clinic like Western Branch Center for Women.