Before we begin: Pelvic floor disorders happen when your pelvic floor muscles get weak.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about pelvic floor disorders. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and other tissues that form a sling or hammock across the pelvis. In women, it holds the uterus, bladder, bowel, and other pelvic organs in place so that they can work properly. The pelvic floor can become weak or be injured. The main causes are pregnancy and childbirth. Other causes include being overweight, radiation treatment, surgery, and getting older.
Common symptoms include:
Feeling heaviness, fullness, pulling, or aching in the vagina. It gets worse by the end of the day or during a bowel movement.
Seeing or feeling a “bulge” or “something coming out” of the vagina
Having a hard time starting to urinate or emptying the bladder completely
Having frequent urinary tract infections
Leaking urine when you cough, laugh, or exercise
Feeling an urgent or frequent need to urinate
Feeling pain while urinating
Leaking stool or having a hard time controlling gas
Being constipated
Having a hard time making it to the bathroom in time
Your health care provider diagnoses the problem with a physical exam, a pelvic exam, or special tests. Treatments include special pelvic muscle exercises called Kegel exercises. A mechanical support device called a pessary helps some women. Surgery and medicines are other treatments.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Also known as: Cystocele, Enterocele, Pelvic prolapse, Rectocele.
Related topics: Cystocele, Uterine Prolapse.
Categories: Women, Female Reproductive System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding pelvic floor disorders is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.