Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders are conditions affecting the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.

These muscles are also called the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor helps maintain urinary and bowel control and sexual function.

Pelvic floor disorders make it difficult to relax or control the muscles in the pelvic floor, making it difficult to control urination and bowel movements.

Pelvic floor disorders are more common than many people realize. About one in four women in the U.S. have a pelvic floor disorder.

Treatment can help people live more comfortably without the problems caused by pelvic floor disorders.

What are pelvic floor disorders?

Pelvic floor disorders are a group of conditions that affect the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor includes the muscles and tissues that support the organs in the pelvis. These organs include the bladder, uterus, vagina, and bowel. The pelvic floor helps these muscles work correctly and prevents them from dropping down.

Types of pelvic floor disorders include:

• Pelvic organ prolapse: When part of an organ protrudes through an abnormal opening in the pelvic floor muscle or tissue
• Urinary incontinence: Loss of bladder control that can cause leaks or accidents
• Fecal incontinence: Accidental loss of bowel control that can cause leaks of gas or stool

Symptoms of pelvic floor disorders

Symptoms can be different depending on the type of pelvic floor disorder, but some common symptoms include:

• Frequent bathroom visits
• Having to start and stop while urinating
• Straining or pushing during a bowel movement
• Constipation
• Leaking stool or urine
• Painful urination
• Unexplained low back pain

What causes pelvic floor disorders?

Pelvic floor disorders can have many different causes, and doctors can’t always say why they happen.

Many people experience pelvic floor disorders after pregnancy and childbirth or pelvic surgery (such as a hysterectomy or a prostatectomy).

Other causes can include aging, obesity, heavy lifting, and connective tissue disorders.

Pelvic floor disorder treatment

Many pelvic floor disorders can be treated without surgery. Treatments include:

• Physical therapy to stretch and coordinate muscles
• Biofeedback to monitor the pelvic floor muscles while you clench and relax them
• Medication to improve bowel function
• Relaxation techniques to relieve tension
• Injections to help with pain and improve muscle relaxation

Some pelvic floor disorders may require surgery. The COPE Center at WashU Medicine in St. Louis includes a team of pelvic floor specialists who will work with you to find the treatment that fits your goals and condition. If surgery is necessary, your care team will explain the procedure, including its potential risks and benefits, and answer your questions before you have surgery.