Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the connective tissue and pelvic area muscles weaken. This can happen because of an injury, especially in patients who experienced vaginal delivery in the past. Symptoms vary but can include urinary or bowel incontinence, an urgency to "go," or a heavy feeling in and around the vagina.
Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction can be handled without surgery in most cases. Physical therapy and pelvic exercises are often effective in treating this disorder.
What are Pelvic Floor Disorders?
What are Pelvic Floor Disorders?Pelvic floor disorders are a common condition where your body cannot correctly relax and coordinate the muscles in your pelvic floor, causing muscle tension. Pelvic floor disorders are common, affecting 1 in 5 women, especially older women or those who have delivered vaginally. The organs that can be affected by this condition include:
- Urinary bladder
- Rectum
- Uterus and vagina
- Prostate
Causes of Pelvic Floor Disorders
CausesWhile not all the causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are known, the most common factors are pregnancy, obesity, and menopause. Some women are predisposed to pelvic floor dysfunction, being born with naturally weaker pelvic connective tissue.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can also be caused by:
- Trauma injuries to the pelvic area
- Pregnancy
- Overusing the pelvic floor muscles or heavy lifting
- Straining during bowel movements or urination
- Being overweight
- Age
At NewYork-Presbyterian, physicians known as urogynecologists provide comprehensive and compassionate services for women living with pelvic floor disorders.
Signs & Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorders
SymptomsIf you have any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction:
- Painful or frequent urges to urinate. You may feel like you are forcing yourself to urinate or that you’re never completely finished.
- Constipation with straining when emptying your bowels. Forcing yourself to "go" weakens the pelvic muscles and can lead to incontinence.
- Lower back pain without a specific cause
- Pain in the pelvic region
- A full feeling or muscle spasms in the genitals or rectum
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
Pelvic disorders in men
More often, pelvic floor disorders affect women. However, men can suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction affecting their urinary tract. They may experience leaking after urinating or be unable to hold their urine. Rarely, pelvic floor disorders may cause erectile dysfunction.
Prostatitis, an infection affecting the prostate gland in men caused by bacteria, sexually transmitted diseases, or trauma to the pelvic area, could cause pelvic pain in men. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Risk Factors for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Risk FactorsThe following factors can increase your risk of pelvic floor dysfunction:
- Age, especially in postmenopausal women
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy can cause pelvic pain. Though more common in people with a history of vaginal deliveries, having a Caesarian section does not rule out the possibility of developing pelvic floor disorders.
- Straining while either urinating or moving your bowels
- Lifting heavy objects can cause extra strain on your pelvic floor muscles
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Find Care for Pelvic Floor Disorders at NewYork-Presbyterian
NewYork-Presbyterian works closely with Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine clinician-investigators to research the most up-to-date treatments and therapies for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Our urogynecologists are experts in pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.