As people age, organs can shift. For many women, pregnancy, childbirth and obesity can stretch and weaken the muscles that support the pelvic organs. These muscles and ligaments are called the pelvic floor. If your pelvic floor is too weak, you may develop pelvic floor disorders. What does this mean and what can you do about it?
Pelvic organ prolapse: This occurs when pelvic muscles can no longer hold the organs in place correctly. In the case of uterine prolapse, the uterus slips out of place and into the vagina. This causes discomfort and/or a feeling of fullness.
Urinary incontinence: This can occur when the bladder slips out of place and drops down into the vagina. Because the bladder is not in its proper place, you might experience urine leaking, urgency to urinate, frequent urination and painful urination.
Anal incontinence: This can occur when the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina, making it difficult to control your bowels.
If you’re experiencing any of the described disorders, you’re not alone. More than one-third of all women in the U.S. are affected by some type of pelvic floor disorder in their lifetimes. These disorders can be treated with medication, physical therapy, special medical devices or surgery.
Just like any other muscle, you can make weak pelvic muscles strong again. Exercises known as Kegels can often help strengthen the muscles around the openings of the urethra, vagina and rectum.
To perform a Kegel, clench the muscles that you would normally use to stop urination. Hold the clench for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Do this five times in a row. Over time, work up to clenching and relaxing for ten seconds each, and do this ten times in row. Do these sets three times per day and you’ll start to see a huge difference in pelvic health. Just don’t do Kegels regularly while emptying your bladder; this can lead to incomplete emptying, which may increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
If you’re not sure whether you’re doing Kegels correctly, or if you have questions about other options for protecting your pelvic floor health, talk to your doctor at Riverview Health.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Sources: NIH.gov
