Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs are weakened or unable to function properly. This can affect bowel control, bladder function, and pelvic stability.

Causes
PFD can develop from situations that strain, stretch, or injure the pelvic muscles or connective tissue, including:

• Constipation – Chronic straining weakens muscles over time.
• Childbirth – Vaginal delivery can stretch or tear muscles and tissue.
• Injury or trauma – Accidents or falls impacting the pelvic region.
• Obesity – Excess weight adds pressure on pelvic structures.
• Pelvic surgery – Procedures affecting pelvic muscles or nerves.
• Pelvic organ prolapse – Dropping of the rectum, bladder, or small bowel into the pelvic area.
• Nerve damage – Conditions affecting nerve communication with pelvic muscles.

Symptoms
Symptoms often overlap with constipation or fecal incontinence. Common signs include:

• Difficulty with bowel movements or straining
• Hard, thin, or irregular stools
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Loss of control over gas or stool
• Lower back, pelvic, or rectal pain or pressure
• Longer intervals between bowel movements
• Fecal incontinence

Diagnosis
It is important to note that gastroenterologists are the first line of treatment for Pelvic floor dysfunction. Your gastroenterologist may use a combination of exams and tests to determine the cause of chronic constipation such as, digital rectal exam, blood tests, x-ray, colonoscopy, defecography, and anorectal manometry.

Treatment
Treatment begins with lifestyle modifications to improve pelvic function. If lifestyle changes are insufficient, additional treatments prescribed by us or your gastroenterologist may include, biofeedback, laxatives, prescription medicines, pelvic floor therapy.

If surgery becomes the best treatment option, your physician will refer you to our talented surgeons at Colorectal Surgery Associates.

Our surgeons often use minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or Da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgery, which allow for greater precision, faster recovery, reduced pain, and fewer complications.

With proper evaluation and treatment, pelvic floor dysfunction can often be managed effectively, improving comfort and overall digestive health.