Relieve pain, incontinence, and more: FAQs about specialty care for pelvic floor dysfunction
Any time the muscles or connective tissues of the pelvic floor become weak or are injured, a pelvic floor disorder (PID) may arise. Pelvic organ prolapse affects around 3% of women. This condition may be accompanied by other types of PIDs, such as urinary and fecal incontinence. Regardless of your specific needs, there is certain to be a solution to PID, courtesy of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology in Chicago, Illinois. Our staff, under the direction of Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, a board-certified urogynecologist, is happy to respond to your inquiries regarding this category of conditions, which can cause great distress and embarrassment.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor refers to the muscles holding the pelvic organs. These organs include the vagina, bladder, rectum, urethra, and uterus. Along with layers of connective tissue, these muscles function like a “hammock” to support the pelvic area.
How does the pelvic floor become weak or damaged?
Prolapse is too often chalked up to be a “normal” part of aging that women should “learn to live with.” However, this slippage of one or more organs that occurs when the pelvic floor can no longer support these structures may be common, but it is not “normal,” nor should it be accepted as just a foregone conclusion as women age. Primarily, the supportive tissues may become weak due to pregnancy/vaginal childbirth. Changes that occur during menopause may also be to blame. Other risk factors include habits, behaviors, and conditions that increase abdominal pressure. These factors include chronic constipation and coughing, carrying excess pounds, and frequent heavy lifting.
What are the symptoms?
PID and POP symptoms run the spectrum. For mild cases, a small bulge can be felt inside of the vagina. In more severe cases, the organs may protrude out of the vaginal opening. Women with these conditions may feel pressure or fullness, experience urine or bowel leakage, and suffer from lower back pain.
How do Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology treat PIDs?
Of course, that depends on the nature of your condition and its severity. Treatments may not be necessary if symptoms do not negatively affect your life. Factors that can also influence treatment recommendations include your age, comorbidities/other health challenges, sexual activity, and plans to have children. Nonsurgical interventions include lifestyle modifications, such as minimizing alcohol/caffeine consumption and incorporating pelvic floor exercises (“Kegels”) to strengthen the supportive muscles. Dr. Gandhi can also administer electrical stimulation with biofeedback therapy, Botox® injections, tibial nerve stimulation, and a temporary or permanent device to support the prolapsed organ(s) known as a “pessary.” Surgery may also be appropriate for those women whose symptoms persist despite the nonsurgical interventions mentioned here.
Relief awaits at one of our four Chicago, IL, area locations in Park City, Lake Forest, Woodstock, and the Far North Side. To find out more about the therapies mentioned here and to discuss your specific questions and concerns, schedule a consultation by calling (844) 327-1188 today.
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