dane wetton t1NEMSm1rgI unsplash - Women's Health
analise benevides Wbao8e0au2w unsplash - Women's Health
Treatment

Women’s Health


Physical therapists who focus on women’s health understand that a woman’s body works differently than a man’s. From differences in hormones to the unique stresses of pregnancy, a woman’s body will go through a lot in her lifetime. Furthermore, men and women can even experience different symptoms for the same conditions. That’s why it’s important to recognize and address the specific issues that women can face.

Have you ever worried about not being able to make it to the bathroom in time when you are out in public or at work?  Are you afraid that the pelvic pain you experience with intercourse may have a serious and negative impact on your current or future relationship? If these symptoms sound familiar you may have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?


Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) is an incredibly common disorder that is rarely talked about. Because of the sensitive nature of PFD, it is often never treated leaving tens of thousands of women to suffer with a problem that can be easily cured in many instances. PFD has an incredibly broad range of symptoms that correlate with their diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:

  • A fullness, pulling or ache in the vagina that worsens by the end of the day or with a bowel movement
  • Difficulty starting to urinate or completely emptying the bladder
  • Frequent UTI’s
  • Leaking urine with coughing, laughing or exercising
  • Pain while urinating or with intercourse
  • Fecal incontinence or difficulty controlling gas
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty making it to the bathroom in time.

What Causes PFD?

As stated above, there are several causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but these are the most common causes:

Pregnancy & Childbirth

Being Overweight or Obese

Chronic Constipation

Chronic Coughing

Getting Older

Having Weaker Tissues

Radiation Treatment

Surgery

Stress

+ More

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you are not alone. In fact, more than one-third of U.S. women have pelvic floor dysfunction. Dealing with urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic floor pain or prolapse does not have to be a part of your life forever. If you want to know to know more about Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and what you can do about it today, give us a call.