Where to Get a Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) DiagnosisPelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common yet under-reported condition that affects women of all ages. Conditions like incontinence, endometriosis and organ prolapse affect your physical, mental and emotional health, and they can drastically impact your quality of life. But unfortunately, many women struggle to get support for their PFD.
If you are still searching for a diagnosis for your PFD, don’t give up. Educating yourself and connecting with a pelvic health specialist can help you get the answers and treatment you deserve.
Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
As we’ve mentioned, pelvic floor disorders are quite common. For example, 3.3 million women in the US are affected by pelvic organ prolapse, a common condition in which the uterus, bladder, or rectum (or other tissues and organs) drop from their normal position into or out of your vagina.1
PFD is also quite complex, and so diagnosing and managing it can be challenging.
Women can struggle to get a proper diagnosis when their primary care physician is unfamiliar with PFD. These conditions have traditionally been under-researched, making diagnosis more difficult.
Moreover, women can have overlapping conditions. For example, if a patient has endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome and depression all at the same time, her doctor may struggle to determine her exact diagnosis and treatment.2
Don’t be Embarrassed
And sadly, many women may struggle to get a diagnosis for their PFD because they are too embarrassed, or because they lack education and/or believe harmful myths. Many feel embarassed about leaking, and in fact, one study found that only 4% of women with urinary incontinence want to talk to their doctor about it.3
For these reasons, many women suffer through PFD in silence, which can hurt their quality of life. Left with untreated conditions, women may feel self-conscious and unattractive, and they may start to retreat from daily activities or avoid them altogether. Untreated pelvic floor disorders can also lead to preventable long-term chronic pain.
Who Treats Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Many primary care physicians are unfamiliar with managing PFD, but they can refer you to someone who can help. That’s why your best bet is often to speak with your doctor, who can then refer you to the appropriate specialist.
There are three types of specialists that treat pelvic floor disorders.
Urologists
treats bladder problems and UTIs, and some are trained in treating pelvic organ prolapse.4
Gynecologists
can also evaluate patients with pelvic floor disorders and determine a treatment plan. While they are more specialized in treating pelvic floor disorders than primary care physicians, gynecologists may also refer you to another specialty with better training when necessary.
Urogynecology
And a sub-specialty called urogynecology was developed less than a decade ago which offers the most specialized care for these conditions. Urogynecologists are OB/GYNs or urologists with extra training.5
How to Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Surgery
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, or MIGS, is a specialty that can be used to treat conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts and abnormal bleeding.
This surgical procedure creates small incisions in the skin that are less than an inch in size and uses specialized tools.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Helping you strengthen your muscles and learn how to relax the pelvic floor.
Biofeedback
Is a study of your pelvic floor muscles and is often part of pelvic floor physiotherapy. Your doctor will study when and how your pelvic floor muscles tighten and release teaching you how to work with your body.
Electrical Stimulation
Using low volt electrical currents to stimulate and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, helping you improve their function.
Understanding the different options available to you can help you advocate for yourself. Learn more about these specialists and the roles they play here.
How Do I Know if I am Suffering From Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms include:
- Urinary incontinence or urgency
- Constipation or straining during bowl movements
- Pain in your pelvic region
- Painful intercourse
- Pressure in pelvic area
- Pelvic area muscle spasms
Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Curable?
PFD symptoms can be managed and treated but there are a few important key success factors which include:
- Early Diagnosis: Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, as it can prevent symptoms from worsening.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Tailored treatment plans to the individual’s specific condition and needs are more effective.
- Consistency and Compliance: Keeping up with the prescribed treatment regimens, including at-home exercises, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes, is crucial for symptom improvement.
It is important to manage your expectations. If you have a chronic condition you will likely require ongoing management. Some people will be able to completely eliminate symptoms while others may lessen them. Finding the support to get started is the best first step you can take. Your quality of life matters.
More About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Use our free Physician Finder to find a specialist near you!
There are many ways to improve your pelvic health and treat PFD, ranging from lifestyle changes and Kegel strengthening treatments, to pelvic floor physical therapy, medication and surgery.
Our organization is committed to empowering women everywhere who struggle with pelvic floor disorders to get the help they need. If you believe you need help, use our free Physician Finder to find a specialist near you.
1 Vitale SG, La Rosa VL, Rapisarda AMC, Laganà AS. The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach or Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Cystocele. Oman Med J. 2017;32(3):263-264. doi:10.5001/omj.2017.52
2 https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pelvicpain/conditioninfo/reason
3 Hirai K, Sumi T, Kanaoka Y, Ishiko O. Female urinary incontinence: diagnosis, treatment and patients’ concerns. Drugs Today (Barc). 2002;38(7):487-493. doi:10.1358/dot.2002.38.7.704677
4 Bureau M, Carlson K V. Pelvic organ prolapse: A primer for urologists. Can Urol Assoc J = J l’Association des Urol du Canada. 2017;11(6Suppl2):S125-S130. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4634
5 Steers WD. Establishing the subspecialty of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery in the United States of America. Arab J Urol. 2013;11(2):113-116. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2013.01.003
[/accordion_item][/accordion]
