Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment in Huntsville, AL

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to correctly relax and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles.

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles found in the floor (the base) of your pelvis (the bottom of your torso). These muscles act as the support structure to keep your organs in place within your body and provide support and stability.

The board-certified urologists at Urology Specialists, PC are highly trained in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary incontinence or difficulties with bowel movements, it may be time to speak with a specialist. Call (256) 882-3605 to request an appointment at our urology clinic in Huntsville, AL today.

Your pelvic organs include:

• Your bladder (the pouch holding your urine)
• Your uterus and vagina (in women)
• Your prostate (in men)
• Your rectum (the area at the end of your large intestine where your body stores solid waste)

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you have pelvic floor dysfunction, your body may tighten the muscles instead of relaxing them as they should.

Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction may include:

• Constipation
• Straining to have a bowel movement
• Having an incomplete bowel movement
• Having urine or stool leakage
• Experiencing a frequent need to pee
• Unexplained lower back pain
• Issues with sexual function

Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Several factors can contribute to the development of pelvic floor dysfunction including:

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Aging
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic cough
• Obesity
• Lifestyle factors
• High-impact activities
• Surgeries like prostate surgery
• Stress
• Traumatic injury like a car accident
• Hereditary factors

Causes may differ for male and females, and it may be a combination of factors that lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Talk to your urologist for a proper diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction. It can sometimes be confused with other factors or conditions. Your provider will ask questions about your medical history as well as perform a physical exam to test how well you can control your pelvis muscles.

You may also need additional testing to see how well you can empty your bladder, how well your muscles are working, and how your muscles work to help with bowel movements.

Treatment for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

After you talk with your urologist for an accurate diagnosis, we can develop a personalized treatment plan.

Initial treatments include:

• Biofeedback
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Exercises like Kegels to tighten and relax your muscles
• Diet or lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Surgery to help stimulate the nerves or adjust the muscles

Treatment will also depend if you experience overactive bladder or issues with fecal incontinence or issue with bowel movements.