You may not think much about your pelvic region, but a lot of important functions happen in that area. If problems develop there, they can affect your daily life.

Pelvic anatomy

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that lie across the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles form the shape of a dome. With the surrounding connective tissue, they support the pelvic organs and keep them in place.

Pelvic organs include the intestines, bladder, urethra and rectum. In women, pelvic organs also include the uterus, cervix and vagina. When the pelvic floor weakens or is injured, a pelvic floor disorder (PFD) develops. Although men can get PFDs, women are more likely to get them. In fact, 1 in 5 women in the U.S. has at least one PFD.

The most common PFDs are:

• Bladder or bowel control problems.
• Constipation.
• Organ prolapse. This is when a pelvic organ slips down, sometimes protruding through the vagina or rectum.

Causes and symptoms

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes PFDs, but several things increase your risk, such as:

• Childbirth.
• Aging.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Lifting heavy things.
• Chronic constipation.
• Pelvic surgery.

You might have a PFD if you experience:

• An urgent or frequent need to urinate.
• Painful urination.
• Urine leakage when you laugh or cough.
• Difficulty emptying your bladder completely.
• Constipation.
• Feeling or seeing something bulging out of your vagina.
• Leaking stool.
• Frequent UTIs.

Prevention and treatment

If you have PFD symptoms, see your health care provider. They will give you a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history—and overall health. They also may do some tests.

Depending on how severe your symptoms are, treatment options can include exercises, medication, injections and surgery. PFDs can’t always be prevented. But to increase the odds that you won’t develop one:

• Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. Your health care provider can teach you.
• Eat plenty of fiber.
• Aim for a healthy weight.
• Lift heavy items carefully. Use your legs, rather than your back or abdominal muscles.

To discuss your pelvic health, call GRMC Outpatient Rehabilitation at 830.401.7665 or visit GRMC’s Pelvic Floor Rehab Page.

Sources: Coffey Communications; American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health