Pelvic floor dysfunction: Features, symptoms and treatment

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Thi Phuong - Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

1. Characteristics of pelvic floor dysfunction disease

The pelvic floor is formed by interlocking fascia and muscles and is often likened to a hammock. These fascia and muscles are firmly attached to the abdominal wall and pubic bone in front, the pelvis on the sides, and the lumbar spine to the sacrum in the back.
The pelvic floor includes many nervous and vascular systems, but is considered as a whole of 3 main systems: the genitourinary system (uterus and vagina), the lower urinary system (bladder and urethra), and the last. along with the lower digestive system (rectum and anus).
The pelvic floor has a role to help keep these organs in their correct position, not to sag, especially during vigorous exercise or running.
Besides, the pelvic floor also has the function to help open and close and control the activities of the vagina, urinary openings, anus more autonomously.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments age and are no longer able to hold the pelvic organs in their correct positions. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by age or pregnancy effects in a woman.
According to statistics, one third of postpartum women suffer from urinary incontinence, of which 50% are women over 40 years old. In addition, about 40% of women aged 50 years and older have pelvic organ prolapse, specifically, 1 in 5 people will have more than 2 organs (bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse, rectal prolapse).

2. Causes of pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic trauma and postpartum complications contribute to pelvic dysfunction while in most cases the cause is not found.
A number of other causes that weaken the muscles or tear the connective tissue such as obesity, pelvic surgery, nerve damage or actions that put stress on the pelvic floor muscles can also cause the disorder. pelvic floor function.

3. Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction

3.1. Urinary incontinence Frequent urination at night Always feeling the need to urinate, urinating more than 8 times a day Difficulty urinating Always feeling the need to urinate 3.2. Gastrointestinal Indigestion, constipation Prolonged constipation, need to use pump or oral medicine Pain when urinating 3.3. Genital tract Prolapse of uterus, bladder, rectum, intestine
3.4. Sex life Pain during intercourse, feeling of opening wide, decreased libido.
3.5. Chronic pelvic pain Pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, portal area

4. Treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction

Change living habits Exercise pelvic floor muscles by exercise or with ultrasound, exercise guide or electrical stimulation Exercise bowel and bladder physiotherapy Medication treatment for vaginal infections Use Lifting ring to treat organ prolapse If medical methods are not effective, surgery is indicated

5. Who should be screened for pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pregnant and postpartum women have the above symptoms Menopausal women can also cause pelvic floor dysfunction Women from 40-60 years old have symptoms of floor dysfunction If you are experiencing problems such as difficulty urinating or urinating, pelvic pain or pain during sex, you are most likely at risk of pelvic floor dysfunction, you should visit See a doctor as soon as possible.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.