-
DE
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to disorders of the pelvic floor muscles that can affect the bladder, bowel, and sexual organs, causing a range of symptoms.
Add as Preferred SourceThings worth knowing about "Pelvic floor dysfunction"
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to disorders of the pelvic floor muscles that can affect the bladder, bowel, and sexual organs, causing a range of symptoms.
What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition in which the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor do not work properly. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that forms a hammock-like structure at the base of the pelvis, supporting the bladder, bowel, and, in women, the uterus. When this system is impaired, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including urinary incontinence and chronic pelvic pain.
Causes
Pelvic floor dysfunction can result from a variety of factors:
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Vaginal delivery, particularly with prolonged pushing or obstetric interventions, can overstretch or injure the pelvic floor muscles.
- Ageing: Loss of connective tissue elasticity with age reduces pelvic floor stability.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places sustained pressure on the pelvic floor.
- Chronic coughing: Conditions such as COPD or asthma with persistent coughing stress the pelvic floor structures.
- Chronic constipation: Repeated straining during bowel movements overloads the pelvic floor musculature.
- Pelvic surgery: Procedures such as hysterectomy or prostatectomy can damage the nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor.
- Neurological conditions: Diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease can impair nerve control of the pelvic floor.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ depending on whether the pelvic floor muscles are too weak or too tense:
Weak pelvic floor muscles (hypotonia)
- Urinary incontinence (leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising)
- Bowel incontinence (unintentional loss of stool)
- Sensation of pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen
- Pelvic organ prolapse (descent of the bladder, bowel, or uterus)
Overly tense pelvic floor muscles (hypertonia)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) or vaginismus in women
- Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
- Bladder emptying problems or frequent, urgent need to urinate
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is established through a combination of assessments:
- Medical history and physical examination: Detailed evaluation of symptoms, birth history, and lifestyle, along with manual assessment of the pelvic floor muscles.
- Urodynamic testing: Assessment of bladder function and urine flow.
- Pelvic floor ultrasound: Imaging of pelvic floor structures.
- Pelvic MRI: Detailed cross-sectional imaging to evaluate organ position and muscle integrity.
- Anorectal manometry: Pressure measurement in the rectum to assess sphincter function.
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to the type and severity of dysfunction:
Conservative treatment
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Targeted strengthening or relaxation exercises guided by a specialist physiotherapist.
- Biofeedback: Sensors help patients become aware of their pelvic floor muscles and learn to control them consciously.
- Electrical stimulation: Electrical impulses activate weakened muscles and support the recovery process.
- Lifestyle modifications: Adjusting fluid and dietary habits, achieving a healthy weight, and addressing chronic constipation.
- Medication: Depending on the symptom, anticholinergics (for urgency incontinence), muscle relaxants, or topically applied oestrogen preparations may be prescribed.
Interventional and surgical treatment
- Pessaries: Devices inserted into the vagina to mechanically support prolapsed organs.
- Injections: Botulinum toxin injections for excessively tense pelvic floor muscles.
- Surgery: In cases of severe prolapse or persistent incontinence, surgical procedures such as sling operations or prolapse repair may be indicated.
Prevention
Many cases of pelvic floor dysfunction can be prevented or reduced in severity through proactive measures:
- Regular pelvic floor exercises, especially during and after pregnancy
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- A fibre-rich diet to prevent constipation
- Avoiding heavy lifting without correct posture
- Timely treatment of chronic cough or other conditions that strain the pelvic floor
References
- Haylen BT et al. (2010): An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) / International Continence Society (ICS) Joint Report on the Terminology for Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 29(1), 4–20.
- Bourcier A, McGuire E, Abrams P (Eds., 2004): Pelvic Floor Disorders. Elsevier Saunders.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, 2023): Pelvic Floor Disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Skip product gallery
Subscription available
Floral
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®30 lozenges
Regular price:
22,90 €
Discount
Subscription available
Lactoferrin 60 Capsules
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
60 Capsules
Sale price:
50,00 €
Regular price:
59,90 €
Discount
Subscription available
Multivitamin Mineral Complex
Daily basic supply: the complete spectrum of micronutrients
Natural multivitamin complex for the immune system, energy, and central body functions
30 Capsules
Sale price:
27,90 €
Regular price:
29,90 €
Subscription available
Natural Iron
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
30 Capsules
Regular price:
35,90 €
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Magnesiumcarbonat ist eine anorganische Magnesiumverbindung mit säure-neutralisierender (antazidischer) Wirkung. Erfahre mehr über Vorteile, Einsatzgebiete und Unterschiede zu besser resorbierbaren Magnesiumformen.
Calorie content
The choice of food influences our energy intake. The calorie content varies greatly - some provide little energy, others a lot.
Cologne list
The Cologne List ® is an important initiative in competitive sports that offers athletes guidance in the selection of nutritional supplements.