There is a lot to know about the health of your pelvic floor. Are you seeking out a restroom everywhere you go? Are you having trouble reaching a bathroom before urinating? Are you experiencing pain or a pulling feeling within your pelvic region? If so, you're not alone, as one in four women suffer from a Pelvic Floor Disorder during their lifetime. 

What is Pelvic Health?

Pelvic health relates to the disorders that are of the female pelvic region, also known as the Pelvic Floor. Many pelvic floor disorders affect organs, muscles, ligaments, and any other tissues that connect within the pelvic area. Pelvic health is a primary concern for women as they age, and keeping your pelvic muscles in shape is key to ensuring the health of your pelvis. 

Pelvic Floor Disorders affect:

• The bladder
• Bowels
• Intestines
• Reproductive organs: uterus, ovaries, vagina
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Tissues

How does one get a pelvic floor disorder? There are a few reasons for pelvic floor disorders, one of them being other health conditions. Some of these conditions may include nerve damage, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, surgery, or stroke. When the nerves that send signals to your pelvic muscles are affected, it can weaken the pelvic region, thus making it difficult to keep your muscles in optimal health.

Types of Pelvic Floor Disorders

There are three main types of pelvic floor disorders:

1. Bladder Control: Urinary Incontinence, loss of urine during activities (stress incontinence), inability to hold urine (urinary urge incontinence), frequent urination (urge frequency), overactive bladder, voiding dysfunction.
2. Bowel Control: Accidental bowel leakage, fecal incontinence, flatal incontinence, and constipation.
3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The dropping of pelvic organs due to loss of support from the pelvic floor.

Talk with your doctor to find out which pelvic floor disorders you may be experiencing. It’s possible you may experience one or multiple issues.

Preventing Pelvic Floor Disorders

Exercise: To help prevent any of these pelvic floor disorders, you’ll want to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise. While exercising, it’s best to avoid heavy lifting that can cause damage to your pelvic muscles and tissues. And don’t forget to do your Kegels regularly to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Diet: We suggest that you increase your fiber intake if you’re dealing with constipation. A healthy amount of fiber is 25-35 grams per day, in conjunction with the rest of your food and supplement intake. Eat vegetables such as cabbage, dried fruits such as figs and prunes, fruits with seeds like raspberries and blackberries, and whole grains can greatly help increase your fiber intake. It’s also a good idea to avoid diuretics, caffeine, alcohol, anything that will increase urine. 

If prevention isn't working, it's important to discuss other treatment options with your provider. These can range from nerve stimulation, bulking agents, or surgery. 

Pelvic Health and Voyage Healthcare

Here at Voyage Healthcare, our OB/GYNs will help answer any questions that you may have. Pelvic disorders are not standard no matter your age, and they are preventable. So, schedule an appointment to start getting back to living your life to the fullest. 

If you happen to have additional questions, download our free guide below!