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    Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

    1 in 3 women are affected by Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

    How We Can Help You Manage Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

    More About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

    The pelvic floor is the group of muscles and connective tissues that hold the pelvic organs (bladder, urethra, rectum, uterus, cervix and vagina) in place.  Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) occurs when these muscles and tissues weaken and you are unable to properly contract and relax the muscles.  Common symptoms include frequent/painful urination and leaking urine (known as urinary incontinence), stool leakage or constipation, pain during sex, erectile dysfunction in men, and pelvic organ prolapse (a condition where the pelvic organs collapse onto the vagina resulting in pain and sexual dysfunction).   

    Both men and women may experience PFD, although it is more common among women. A 2022 study revealed that 1 in 3 women are affected by at least one symptom and the frequency of PFD increases with age.  Many factors contribute to the weakening of the pelvic floor including injury (such as from heavy lifting or straining), obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, and hormonal shifts that occur as women age.  In particular, decreases in estrogen production when a woman approaches menopause causes thinning of the vagina and surrounding pelvic tissues and is thought to contribute to PFD. 

    Although it’s common and natural to experience Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, you do not have to live with the uncomfortable or embarrassing symptoms. At home options to strengthen and tone the pelvic floor include performing kegel exercises or using a red light therapy device (such as the Joylux vFit Gold)  At Modern Age, board-certified clinicians may recommend electromagnetic pelvic floor therapy (Emsella™) and Intravaginal Radiofrequency Therapy to improve urinary incontinence and sexual discomfort related to PFD. 

    Questions about Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

    Why is the pelvic floor important, and what causes a weak pelvic floor?
    The pelvic floor is made up of a set of muscles that attach at the bottom of your pelvis. They help stabilize your core and impact fundamental activities like sex and bladder control. Your pelvic floor also provides protection to your spine and organs when you do certain activities, like lifting, coughing or laughing. Weak pelvic floor muscles impact your ability to do these activities and control your bladder at the same time. Your pelvic floor can become weaker due to childbirth, pregnancy, obesity, injury, or changing hormones.
    What does urinary incontinence feel like?
    For some, this means having to suddenly go more frequently or leaking urine during certain activities, such as coughing, sneezing or exercise. This could look like damp spots on your leggings during a workout or releasing a little bit of urine when you laugh at a comedy show. In some instances, you may have no warning or sensation of the leakage.
    How can I prevent Pelvic Floor Dysfunction or is it an inevitable part of getting older?
    Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is not inevitable.  Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber and drinking plenty of water can improve stool consistency and prevent ongoing straining that can lead to PFD.  Pelvic Floor Muscle training is also encouraged for all women, particularly those who have recently given birth, to keep pelvic floor muscles strong. 
    How does having a baby impact the pelvic floor?
    During pregnancy, women carry extra weight, which puts extra downward pressure on their pelvic floor, stretching out these muscles. Some women do naturally rebuild their pelvic floor post childbirth, but for many women, pelvic floor therapy can help encourage that connection to their core and stronger pelvic floor muscles.
    How does menopause impact the pelvic floor?
     Menopausal and postmenopausal women can have a weakened pelvic floor. During menopause, our estrogen levels decrease, which leads to a decrease in muscle mass. This impacts every type of muscle in the body, including the pelvic floor.
    How can I strengthen my pelvic floor?
    At home exercises called kegels are an effective way to strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor.  Like all forms of exercise, consistency is key to achieving desired results. Alternatively, you can complete electromagnetic pelvic floor therapy (EMsella™)  at Modern Age.  By simply sitting on the chair-like device, electromagnetic energy delivers up to 11,000 muscle contractions (like Kegels) in a single session. You can learn more about this and other pelvic floor therapies in a complimentary consultation with a board-certified Modern Age clinician.