All About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction — Symptoms and Treatments

According to Memorial Hermann, “One in five people will suffer from a pelvic floor disorder during their lifetime. In fact, one-third of all women and 50 percent of women over the age of 55 are currently affected by a pelvic floor disorder. Researchers estimate almost 10 percent of these women will undergo surgery for urinary incontinence and conditions or pelvic organ prolapse during their lifetime. These conditions are not life threatening; however, if left untreated, they can negatively impact one’s lifestyle and potentially lead to additional pelvic floor disorders, and may cause severe depression”.

So if you find yourself suffering from urinary incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse or sexual difficulties, you may be suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction — and you want to get a handle on it. Read on to learn more about pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms and treatment options.

“One-third of all women and 50 percent of women over the age of 55 are currently affected by a pelvic floor disorder….” Memorial Hermann.

Why is the Pelvic Floor Important?

The pelvic floor consists of a series of muscles that work as a support system for your pelvic organs, which include the vagina, bladder, uterus, and rectum. There are a number of things that can contribute to the weakening of these muscles. For example, pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, obesity, and repeated straining due to constipation are just a few of the causes.

Restoring and maintaining optimal pelvic floor conditions are key to a more satisfying sex life and will help to control or eliminate issues with incontinence, constipation and leaky bowels.

How Can You Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

While pelvic floor dysfunction will be handled on a case-by-case basis, there are a variety of treatment options available for this issue. Some people can reduce or alleviate the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction by losing weight, making changes to their diet and/or incorporating yoga into their daily routine. For many, however, a more clinical approach is needed.

And that doesn’t mean you have to expect to go under the knife. Fortunately there are some safe, effective, non-surgical options available. The first step in making the right decision is choosing the right treatment option in finding a physician that will take the time to personally address your case.

According to the study “Female Pelvic Floor Anatomy” in Reviews in Urology, “The effective management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) requires knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind the disorder. Key to identifying these mechanisms and providing proper treatment to women with SUI is an understanding of the anatomy and function of the female pelvic floor and its supporting structures.”

Luckily, if you are in the Houston, Texas area, Dr. Natalie Drake has a wealth of  knowledge of pelvic floor dysfunction and treats women for these conditions in The Woodlands, Texas.  She has done extensive research on the subject and completed a fellowship in Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at the renowned Duke University and has treated women at the Cleveland Clinic for over 7 years.

What Non-invasive Treatment is Available for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

For those looking for a non-invasive solution for their pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Drake also has access to a FDA cleared, non-invasive procedure to treat your pelvic floor dysfunction and to provide vaginal rejuvenation, ThermiVa.

If you are experiencing either vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, trouble keeping tampons in place, pelvic prolapse, excessive vaginal dryness, embarrassment or over-sensitivity regarding the look of your labia majora while wearing revealing items such as swimwear, or looseness of the vaginal area, then you are a great candidate for ThermiVa. ThermiVa is a safe option that requires no anesthesia. Dr. Drake explains the procedure further, stating that it “uses controlled, radiofrequency energy to transfer heat; applying heat to tissue has become the standard for promoting collagen production, which helps to strengthen the support columns and improves the integrity of the skin. This treatment is the first and only temperature controlled radio frequency system being used non-surgically in aesthetics.”

One of the best parts of ThermiVa is that there is no recovery time. Patients can resume their normal activities right away, and many note near immediate results.

Why wait any longer to tackle your pelvic floor dysfunction? Dr. Natalie Drake can answer all of your questions and head you on the path to recovery and a better quality of life. Give her a call at Practice Happiness, part of the Oncology Specialists of Texas, located in The Woodlands, Texas.