Do you also have strange discomfort with tightness and pain in your lower abdomen? Let's learn about this (Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)!

Do you sometimes feel a tightness or a pain in your lower abdomen, that is, below your pelvis? Or do you experience discomfort or pain when urinating or going to the toilet? Maybe you even feel pain during sexual intercourse. Don't dismiss these things as just random things. Maybe the reason for this is a little deeper than you think. That's the condition we're going to talk about today, called `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)`.

First, let's see, what is this 'pelvic floor'?

Okay, before we talk about `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)`, let's understand a little bit about what this 'Pelvic Floor' is. Simply put, it's a collection of muscles and connective tissue in our lower abdomen, that is, inside the groin. Like a strong net, or a small basin, these muscles come together to lift and protect the very important organs in our lower abdomen.

Imagine, this is like the floor of our house. Those organs are:

• Bladder: The place where urine is stored.
• Rectum: The final part of the anus (rectum): The place where feces are stored.
• In women, the uterus and vagina .
• In men, the prostate gland .

The muscles of the pelvic floor are located between the pubic bone in front, the sacrum in the back, and the sit bones on either side. These muscles and nerves help control our urination , defecation, and sexual activity.

So, what is this condition called `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)`?

Now you have a rough idea of ​​what the 'pelvic floor' is. In a condition called ``Hypertonic Pelvic Floor'', the muscles of the 'pelvic floor' are constantly tense, in a state of spasm, or in constant contraction. This means that these muscles are unable to relax, release, and function normally.

Imagine, what if you were to hold your hand in your pocket for a long time? After a while, your hand would start to hurt, it would feel numb, and that's how it is. Because these muscles are constantly tight, they can't control their functions properly, such as urinating and going to the toilet. This is why pain can occur all the time, or it can occur with certain activities (e.g., going to the toilet, having sex). It can also cause difficulty urinating , defecating, and sexual problems. These symptoms can have a big impact on your quality of life.

Who gets this condition (Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)? How common is it?

This situation is really for anyone., which means it can occur regardless of gender or age. Sometimes, this condition can also affect young children.

In general, pelvic floor dysfunction is very common. Hypertonic Pelvic Floor is one such problem. Most of the time, it is not recognized properly because people are embarrassed to talk about it. However, according to data, it is said that about one in ten people may have such problems. This means that it is not something that is unheard of.

How does it feel to have `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)`? What are the symptoms?

The main symptom for most people is pain . This can feel like a pressure, a heaviness, or a tightness in the lower abdomen, lower back, or hip area. Sometimes the pain is felt in one place (e.g., in the bladder) or only with certain activities (e.g., going to the toilet, having sex).

There are other symptoms as well. Let's break them down:

Urinary symptoms

• Bladder pain.
• Pain and burning when urinating .
• Having to urinate frequently (more than 8 times a day, having to get up at night).
• Difficulty starting to urinate , intermittent urination , or feeling like there is still urine after you have finished urinating .

Bowel symptoms

• Difficulty starting to go to the toilet, taking a long time to get there.
• Feeling like your stomach hasn't completely emptied even after going to the toilet.
• Pain when going to the toilet or after going.
• Feeling pain even when passing gas.
• Constipation means not being able to go to the toilet even once for several days.

Sexual symptoms

• Feeling pain during and after sex (this affects many women).
• Inability to achieve orgasm.
• For men, it can be erectile dysfunction, or pain during ejaculation.

The most important thing is that the symptoms of `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)` usually develop slowly and become worse over time. Therefore, if you have even a small symptom like this, do not ignore it. It is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible and seek advice.

What causes this condition (Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)?

The reasons for this are difficult to pinpoint, and a bit complex. However, there are some risk factors that can contribute to this condition. They are:

• The habit of holding in urine and stool when it is heavy:Some people have been addicted to this habit since childhood. Others are forced to do it because of the nature of their jobs (e.g. teachers, bus drivers) or lifestyle. When they are constantly tense like this, their muscles are unable to relax.
• Injuries or damage to the pelvic floor muscles: These 'pelvic floor' muscles can be damaged by certain surgeries, pregnancy, childbirth (especially difficult childbirth), or an accident (e.g., a fall).
• Muscle dysfunction: Sitting in the same position for a long time (especially for those who work at a computer), awkward postures, incorrect walking patterns, and hip imbalances can also affect these muscles.
• Other painful conditions:
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Endometriosis
• Vulvodynia (long-term pain in the external genitalia of women)
• Anal fissures
• Painful bladder syndrome / Interstitial Cystitis

When you have diseases like this, the pelvic floor muscles can tighten due to the pain.

• Being sexually or physically abused: When faced with traumatic experiences like these, it can also have physical effects.
• Stress, Depression, and Anxiety: What we feel in our minds affects our bodies. When we are under a lot of stress, our muscles simply tighten up. The same goes for the pelvic floor.

How is Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Diagnosed?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms and your medical history. This means when you start having pain, how long you have had it, how you use the toilet, how you urinate , and your sex life. While these are uncomfortable and embarrassing things to talk about, being honest and clear is essential for an accurate diagnosis. This will help the doctor understand what kind of discomfort you are experiencing.

The doctor will then perform a physical exam . This may include the following:

• Checking your lower abdomen from the outside will show you how you tighten and relax these 'pelvic floor' muscles.
• Digital rectal exam.
• If you are a woman, a pelvic exam.

These tests can help the doctor find muscle stiffness and painful areas.

Sometimes, special tests such as these may be done to find out more information:

• Anorectal manometry:In this, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the rectum and a small balloon at the end is inflated. The muscles in the rectum and anus contract and relax, as well as the pressure in the muscles, are measured.
• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical signals that your muscles produce when they contract and relax. This is done by placing small sticker-like pads (electrodes) on your skin.
• Defecography: This is a test to see how you defecate. For this, a special substance (barium paste) that is visible on X-rays is inserted into your rectum and you are asked to sit on a special toilet and defecate. X-ray pictures are taken at that time. You will need to take some medicine to cleanse your bowels before this.
• Urodynamic tests: This is not a single test, but a combination of several tests. These look at how you urinate and how your bladder is working.

What are the treatments for `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)`?

The good news is that there is a treatment for this condition! The main and most effective treatment is physical therapy . This is done by a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist who has special training in pelvic floor issues. They will do things like:

• Biofeedback: This is a really cool technique. In this, you use things like sensors to monitor how your muscles are working. Then you understand how to properly tense and relax your muscles.
• Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises and various postures that relax the muscles are taught.
• Massage, stretching, and joint movement: These help to relax tight muscles.

Other treatments your doctor may recommend include:

• Acupuncture.
• Medications: Medications can be given to reduce pain, control anxiety, treat constipation, and treat frequent urination .
• Nerve stimulation: Control urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence.
• Trigger point injections: This can use either corticosteroids (a type of steroid) or Botox® to reduce pain.

Sometimes your doctor may also seek help from other specialists, such as:

• Gastroenterologist: Treats things like constipation.
• Colorectal specialist.
• Gynecologist: For women's reproductive health problems.
• Urologist or Urogynecologist: For urinary problems or sexual dysfunction.
• Psychotherapist: Help with mental problems.
• Sex therapist: For sexual problems.

How to reduce the risk of developing `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)`?

There are several things you can do yourself to reduce the risk of this condition:

• Become aware of how to tighten and relax your abdominal muscles.
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These can help reduce stress.
• Do pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) during pregnancy and after childbirth . Ask your doctor or physical therapist about this.
• These muscles also become stronger through yoga exercises.
• To prevent constipation , eat foods high in fiber (vegetables, fruits, and legumes), drink plenty of water, and avoid straining when going to the toilet.
• If you have pain in your lower abdomen or rectum, do not ignore it and seek medical advice.
• If you have been through a traumatic experience, seek psychological support.
• Don't hold back for too long when you need to urinate or go to the toilet. Fulfill the need as soon as possible.

What is the outlook for the condition `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)`? (Outlook)

This is the most important thing. Hypertonic Pelvic Floor is a condition that can be treated. It takes time and patience. But with treatment, most people experience almost complete relief from their symptoms, and some people recover completely. If your symptoms persist, your doctor will refer you to another specialist.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have lower abdominal pain, difficulty urinating , pain during bowel movements, or pain during sex, don't just wait for them to get better. These symptoms usually don't get better on their own. Therefore, it's important to see a doctor and get treatment as soon as possible.

The pain, urination , defecation, and sexual problems caused by `(Hypertonic Pelvic Floor)` are really uncomfortable, and sometimes embarrassing. But, fortunately, this condition can be controlled and cured to a large extent with physical therapy and other treatments. If you talk to your doctor about your symptoms early and get the necessary treatment, you can live your life comfortably and happily.

Take-Home Message

• Hypertonic pelvic floor is a condition in which the muscles of the lower abdomen are constantly tense. This can cause pain, difficulty urinating and defecating, and sexual problems.
• This can happen to anyone, and it's more common than you might think.
• If you have symptoms, don't be shy or afraid to see a doctor. The sooner you recognize them, the easier it is to treat.
• Physical therapy is the main treatment, but there are other treatments as well.
• This condition can be cured. So don't lose heart.
• Avoiding risk factors can also reduce the occurrence of this condition.

If you have any further questions about this, be sure to talk to your doctor. I wish you good health!

` Lower abdominal pain, pelvic floor, muscle tightness, constipation, urinary difficulties, sexual pain, physical therapy