You’re feeling alarmed and overwhelmed because your doctor says you have pelvic floor dysfunction.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction? And are there options for pelvic floor dysfunction treatment at home?
Let’s explore what women can do to improve their pelvic health, including treating and perhaps preventing pelvic floor dysfunction.
What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
To understand this condition, you need to understand your pelvic floor. This group of muscles and ligaments acts a bit like a hammock, holding and supporting your pelvic organs such as your bladder, uterus and rectum. These muscles also coordinate important bodily functions like peeing, pooping, having sex and delivering a baby.1
Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when you can’t correctly relax and coordinate those muscles to pee or poop. Usually you don’t have to think about it—you just go to the bathroom without any problems because your body tightens and relaxes your pelvic floor muscles.1
But if you have pelvic floor dysfunction, your body keeps tightening these muscles instead of relaxing them. This tension means you may have trouble with bowel movements, like straining to pass them, be unable to pass them, or be constipated. You may leak urine or feces—also known as incontinence—or you may have ongoing pain in your pelvic region. It may also cause pain during sex.1
You’re not alone, as this is a common condition. It’s estimated that as many as 50 percent of people with chronic constipation have pelvic floor dysfunction.2
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment At Home
You should seek diagnosis from a doctor before starting a treatment plan. For instance, some women suffer from pelvic organ prolapse, which is when your pelvic floor becomes weakened and your organs drop. While some symptoms may be similar to pelvic floor dysfunction, and some remedies may be common, a proper diagnosis will ensure the best treatment plan.
You can then explore with a healthcare provider the following options for pelvic floor dysfunction treatment at home.
1. Pelvic floor physical therapy: a specially trained physical therapist will help you in this most common of treatment options. The therapist works with you to relax pelvic muscles and increase muscle function. You can then replicate those exercises at home.3
2. Bowel management: a nurse or other specialist can educate you on bowel management techniques. For instance, a daily regimen could include an evening dose of fiber supplement, a morning routine of mild physical activity, a hot, preferably caffeinated drink, and a high fiber breakfast followed by another cup of a hot beverage.2
3. Perform Kegel exercises: the therapist should suggest pelvic floor muscles exercises, commonly known as Kegels. These important exercises can be included in any woman’s daily regimen.
You don’t have to wait for pelvic floor dysfunction, as research has proven that pelvic floor exercises help keep pelvic floor muscles “fit.” They can be used as an effective treatment for women suffering with issues like stress urinary incontinence, or as a preventive measure. Kegels can also improve your sexual health and help improve your orgasms.4
Kegels involve tightening and then releasing the muscles in your pelvic floor to strengthen them. It’s important to do them properly, and there are tools available to help you. The INNOVO Urinary Incontinence Kit consists of “smart shorts” that are designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles from the inside out. Using them, you perform 180 perfect Kegels in 30 minutes. Subscribe to the INNOVO newsletter to receive a $20 discount code for your purchase.
4. Lifestyle modifications: some simple changes to your habits may help too. Avoid straining while using the bathroom and avoid heavy lifting and jumping. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber. Stay active. Try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.3
There are other treatments available, such as biofeedback, electrical stimulation and massage. These can be done in conjunction with your pelvic floor dysfunction treatment at home.
Ask Your Doctor
Use our Physician Finder to find a doctor near you with expertise in women’s health who can help with your treatment plan for pelvic floor dysfunction. A proper diagnosis is the first step, after which you can explore therapy and options for pelvic floor dysfunction treatment at home. Don’t suffer in silence.
