Do you also have problems like lower abdominal pain and constipation? Let's talk about Pelvic Floor Dysfunction!

Do you often need to go to the toilet? Or do you feel like your stomach is not completely empty after going to the toilet? Maybe you take a long time to defecate, but it doesn't come out properly? These are problems that many people have, but are a little embarrassed to talk about. But the medical reason behind these discomforts is the condition we are talking about today called `Pelvic Floor Dysfunction`.

Simply put, what is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Imagine that the lower abdomen, the area between your hip bones, is like a house. Inside this house are very important organs such as our bladder, uterus (in women), prostate (in men), and rectum. Now this house needs a strong foundation, otherwise all these organs can fall down. That foundation is what we call the Pelvic Floor Muscles . This is a network of muscles. These are what hold those organs in place.

Normally, when we urinate or defecate, these muscles relax when needed, and remain tight at other times. It's like when we tighten the muscles in our arms when we lift a weight, and relax them when we're done.

However, for someone with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, the opposite happens. When you need to defecate or urinate, these muscles tighten instead of relaxing. It's like a door closing harder instead of opening. This is why many problems arise.

• It becomes difficult to completely pass stool.
• Even after going to the toilet, I still feel like my stomach is full.
• Sometimes, urine or feces can leak out without you even realizing it.

For women, this condition can cause pain during sexual intercourse. For men, it can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Do you have these characteristics too? Let's see...

There are several common symptoms that can help you identify this condition. Take a look to see if you have experienced one or more of these.

Why does this situation occur?

Although the exact cause for this has not been found, there are several factors that are thought to contribute to this condition.

• Injuries to the pelvic area: Things like a car accident or a fall from a height can damage the muscles in this area.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: These muscles can be overstretched and damaged, especially during difficult childbirth (e.g., using forceps or vacuum).
• Pelvic surgery: This condition can occur after surgeries such as hysterectomy or prostatectomy.
• Frequent straining when going to the bathroom: Frequent straining due to prolonged constipation can overwork these muscles.
• Aging: As we age, these muscles, like other muscles in the body, naturally begin to weaken.
• Stress and Anxiety: Don't be surprised, stress can cause us to tense up our body muscles without us even realizing it. This can also affect the pelvic floor muscles.
• Connective tissue disorders: Some medical conditions that affect the body's tissues can also cause these muscles to weaken.

Can this be confused with another disease?

Yes, definitely. The symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction are similar to those of many other conditions, so they can sometimes be misunderstood.

• Interstitial Cystitis: This is a condition that causes pain in the bladder and pelvic area. This pain can cause the pelvic muscles to tighten. So, it is possible to have both conditions at the same time.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A condition that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms are very similar to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): When the pelvic floor muscles weaken, organs such as the uterus and bladder begin to descend and protrude through the vagina. These two conditions are often related.
• Prostatitis: An infection or swelling of the prostate gland in men. The pain and difficulty urinating are very similar to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
• Rectal diseases: Pain caused by conditions such as rectal fissures or fistulas can also cause pelvic floor muscle tightness.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see your doctor, they will first ask you about your symptoms. For example:

• Do you want to defecate?
• Do you feel completely empty after you finish urinating?
• How many times do you go to the toilet a day?
• If you are a woman, you can also ask about childbirth and whether there is pain during sex.

Then, a physical examination will be performed. Here, the doctor will manually check your pelvic floor muscles for tightness, tightness, or weakness.

Sometimes, special tests may be recommended to further confirm the condition.

Well, what are the treatments for this now?

This is the best news. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a condition that can often be treated without surgery . There are several treatment options.

• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: This is the most common and effective treatment. A specially trained physical therapist will identify exactly which muscles you have that are tight. Then, there are specific exercises that will help you relax those muscles and improve their coordination.
• Biofeedback: This may sound a bit new, but it's actually quite simple. The physical therapist attaches sensors to your body and shows you on a monitor when you tense and relax your muscles, much like looking in a mirror. You then learn how to control your muscles. This method has been found to be more than 75% effective.
• Medications: If you have constipation, your doctor may recommend medications like stool softeners. But never use these without medical advice.
• Relaxation Techniques: Things like meditation, yoga, hot baths, and acupuncture can help reduce pelvic muscle tightness.
• Trigger Point Injections: If other treatments are not successful, a pain management specialist may inject a small needle of anesthetic into the tight muscles to relax them.

Things you can do to improve this situation

This is not something that will get better overnight. But the most important thing is to keep trying and not give up. You may not notice much difference for a few months after starting treatment. But many people who follow the instructions given by their doctor and physical therapist exactly, get better over time.

In the meantime, be aware of these things:

• Don't miss your medication and physical therapy appointments: If you don't take your medication and exercise, your symptoms may worsen and the healing process will be delayed.
• Avoid activities that put pressure or pain on the pelvic area: Exercises like heavy lifting and continuous jumping can increase tightness in these muscles. Ask your doctor or physical therapist what activities are appropriate and inappropriate for you.
• Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet: Drinking more than 8 glasses of water a day can help prevent constipation. Also, some people may feel fuller when eating high-fiber foods. If you feel uncomfortable, stay away from such foods for a while. Consult your doctor about a diet that is right for you.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a common condition, but many people are embarrassed to talk about their difficulty going to the bathroom. But remember, talking to your doctor about it is the first and most important step towards your recovery. The more open and honest you are about your problems, the more successful your treatment will be.

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