All About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Houston and Katy, Texas
Are you suffering from constipation, a condition that causes infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools over an extended period of time? According to the Mayo Clinic, “as many as 50% of people with chronic constipation have pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).”
Do you have discomfort during intercourse or pain while urinating? Are you experiencing any symptoms of urinary incontinence, the experience of sudden urgency to urinate on a regular basis or other loss of bladder control, when simply laughing or coughing? As stated by Science Direct, “The most common, symptomatic PFD is urinary incontinence, with 10–58% of US women reporting involuntary loss of urine.”
And these are just a few of the many symptoms that can alert you that you are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. But while all of these can be symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, a medical exam and testing are necessary to confirm this diagnosis. Dr. Christina Pramudji, a Urogynecologist and Urologist who has a subspecialty certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery is your best option in the Houston, Texas area. Her practice, part of the ChristiMD Medical Group, is located at 18300 Katy Fwy, Suite #565, Houston, Texas. Upon diagnosis, Dr. Pramudji will discuss all surgical and non-surgical options available to you.
What is Your Pelvic Floor?
And What are Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorders?
Pelvic floor disorders are common but, in general, not life-threatening. Because the symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction can be embarrassing, they’re not always addressed with a physician.
But what exactly is your pelvic floor and why is it so important? The pelvic floor consists of a series of muscles that provide support to the bladder, uterus (in women), prostate (in men) and bowel. These muscles are necessary to help control the release of urine and feces.
Contracting the muscles in this region helps you to tighten the anus, vagina and urethra while holding up the pelvic organs. Relaxing the same muscles facilitates the release of urine and feces. In women, these muscles also play a big part in your sexual experience. Contracting and tightening aids in arousal.
The pelvic floor muscles are also an integral part of childbirth. Consequently, pregnancy and childbirth can also lead to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. When talking about why pelvic floor dysfunction happens, the Cleveland Clinic States, “The full causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are still unknown. But a few of the known factors include: traumatic injuries to the pelvic area (like a car accident), pregnancy, overusing the pelvic muscles (like going to the bathroom too often or pushing too hard), eventually leading to poor muscle coordination, pelvic surgery, being overweight, advancing age”.
How Do You Address Pelvic Floor Disorder?
Upon a thorough review of your medical history and a full exam, your doctor can rule out any other health or dietary conditions that may be the underlying reason for the symptoms that are causing you concern. If the diagnosis does reveal that you are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, we will be able to discuss all treatment options available.
Some solutions may be as simple as taking warm baths, doing yoga and avoiding pushing or straining while having bowel movements. At times, the use of a prescription muscle relaxant can also help, but if not, physical therapy is also an option.
Lastly, non-invasive procedures have become quite popular for the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction because of the decreased risk factor and lack of side effects. In fact, one great option, using radio frequency technology, that is used for vaginal rejuvenation, is Viveve. This approach, typically requiring just one treatment, repairs tissue damage and strengthens the muscles in the vaginal region to improve sexual arousal and also repair damage that causes urinary incontinence. This pain-free procedure is completed in just one session.
Another effective, non-surgical option to try is the laser treatment, MonaLisa Touch. A laser, using heat energy, stimulates and helps rejuvenate unhealthy vaginal tissue.
Do not let misinformation or embarrassment keep you from getting the treatment you need to regain your best quality of life. ChristiMD Medical Group uses the latest technology and provides expert care in treating all conditions relating to your pelvic health.
Let us get you back to your best life. Call today to at 281-717-4003 to schedule your private consultation!