Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

Despite pelvic floor dysfunction being extremely common, many women suffer in silence due to embarrassment or considering it as a part of aging, or due to the misconception that good treatment options do not exist.

At Harlandale Clinic, we provide expert, compassionate care to help you restore function and improve your quality of life without always needing surgery.

What are Common Signs & Symptoms?

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles and connective tissue supporting the bladder, uterus, and rectum become weak or damaged (often due to childbirth, aging, or surgery). The signs and symptoms that results from that include:

• Urinary or fecal leakage (incontinence)
• A heavy, pulling feeling or bulging in the pelvis (prolapse)
• Difficulty with bowel/bladder elimination
• Pelvic pain or discomfort

Is there an Effective Non-Surgical Treatment?

For many patients, targeted physical therapy can successfully restore muscle strength, coordination, and control.

• What to Expect: An initial evaluation includes reviewing your history and assessing abdominal muscle and pelvic muscle function to establish a baseline.
• The Therapy Plan: Over a course of 4 to 6 weeks, sessions of education, targeted exercises (like Kegels), and biofeedback to calm or retrain muscles, relieve spasms, and improve mobility. This is done by equipping you with sustainable exercises and tools you can easily fit into your daily routine.

You don't have to live with discomfort as an inevitable part of aging. Contact Harlandale Clinic today to schedule an evaluation with our OBGYN - Dr. Dandan - to discuss your personalized treatment options. Surgery is not the only option.