Stress and Urge Incontinence: Which Do I Have?
Millions of Americans struggle with urinary incontinence. This bladder problem can have more than one cause. Stress and urge incontinence are common types, but how do you know which one you have?
Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
If you have chronic constipation, there’s about a 50% chance it’s related to pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction involves the muscles of your pelvic floor and your abdomen, and how they contract and relax when you have a bowel movement.
The symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can vary, and most of them can be symptoms of other problems as well. For example, lower back pain could be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction, or it could be due to a strained muscle. This is why it’s important for you to seek medical care from qualified professionals, such as the staff at Urology Center of Florida, when you notice any signs of pelvic floor dysfunction.
What is your pelvic floor?
Your pelvic floor is made up of a group of muscles and ligaments that work together to support the organs in your pelvis. These soft tissues form a sort of hammock that holds your bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum.
The muscles of your pelvic floor contract and relax to control urination, bowel movements, and other functions. If those muscles contract when they should relax, you may have pelvic floor dysfunction.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction
The symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction vary, and although pelvic floor dysfunction typically causes problems with bowel movements, your signs of the problem may occur throughout your pelvic region. Symptoms can include:
- The frequent urge to urinate
- Painful urination
- Constipation
- Straining during bowel movements
- Pain in your lower back
- Pain in your pelvic region
- Pain in your genitals,
- Pain in your rectum
- Pain in your tailbone
- A feeling of pressure in your pelvic region or in your rectum
- Muscle spasms in your pelvis
- For women, pain during intercourse
- A bulge that you can feel in your rectum or vagina
There are multiple types of pelvic floor dysfunction, and a proper diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment.
Diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction
Your health care provider at Urology Center of Florida will first consider your complete medical history when you’re evaluated. Your provider may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, to examine your pelvic region. Other tests may also be ordered to evaluate your muscle control, nerve function, and colon function.
Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction
The most appropriate treatment for you will depend on a number of factors, including the cause of your pelvic floor dysfunction, your symptoms, and your medical history. Your body is unique, and your treatment plan will be tailored to suit your needs.
Your treatment plan may involve a combination of approaches. Commonly, people with pelvic floor dysfunction may benefit from:
- Dietary changes
- Specialized physical therapy
- Injections
- Surgery
If you have any of the signs or symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, book an appointment online or over the phone with Urology Center of Florida today.
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