Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic Floor Symptoms & Conditions

Bladder problems 

The pelvic floor directly affects bladder function. If you notice abnormal bladder issues, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Symptoms can include:

• Urinary leakage
• Feeling an urgent need to urinate or needing to urinate more frequently
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Retaining urine or pain when emptying or filling the bladder
• Slow urinary stream
• Incontinence

Bowel problems

Less obvious, but equally concerning, are problems with your bowel or bowel movements. This can be a sign something is wrong with your pelvic floor.

• Constipation
• Fecal incontinence
• Pain with bowel movements
• Bowel urgency
• Gas or mucus

Pelvic pain

Most women have experienced some form of pelvic pain at some point in life, but chronic pelvic pain should be diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible. Symptoms of pelvic pain include:

• Pain in the pelvic joints
• Persistent pain in the lower abdominal or pelvic region
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Increased pain during menstrual cycles or irregular cycles
• Pain in the tailbone
• Pain in the genitals

Pelvic organ prolapse

This condition occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs slip from their normal position and put pressure on the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse most commonly occurs in the years after childbirth or after a hysterectomy or menopause.

• Vaginal bulging
• Pelvic pressure
• Low back pain or aching in the back
• Bleeding, discharge or vaginal or rectal infection

Sexual dysfunction

Pain during intercourse, or dyspareunia, is a common symptom of sexual dysfunction. Others include:

• Decreased or overactive arousal
• Pain during speculum exams or an inability to insert a tampon

Pelvic Floor Treatments and Therapies

If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, your AVH care team will create a treatment plan based on your condition and specific needs. There are a variety of ways to treat pelvic floor issues, including many non-invasive, non-surgical and restorative options, however, surgery may be recommended for more severe cases. To set up an appointment, ask your doctor to send the referral or call AVH Rehabilitation Services at 970.544.1177.