Common Pelvic Floor Disorders

Urogynecology, also known as Female Urology, is a medical specialty related to the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor comprises the nerves, muscles, and connective tissue that hold up the uterus, vagina, bladder, and rectum helping these organs to function properly. The pelvic floor can be spoiled by childbirth due to chronic disease, repeated heavy lifting or surgery.

Pelvic floor disorders typically develop from a combination of factors. Dr.Kammela Sreedhar, A surgical andrologist explains the following factors that usually contribute in development of these disorders:

·         Having a baby, mainly in case the baby is delivered vaginally

·         Being overweight

·         Having a hysterectomy (elimination of the uterus)

·         Aging

·         Regularly doing things that amplify pressure in the abdomen, like straining while bowel movements or lifting weighty items  

A Few Common Pelvic Floor Disorders

·         Urinary incontinence (unconscious passing of urine)

·         Urinary retention (complicatedness with draining the bladder)

·         Recurrence of urination (urinating more than seven times in 24 hours)

·         Nocturia (need to urinate two or more times per night)

·         Vaginal prolapse (often seen as a “bulge” at the opening of the vagina or feeling that “something is falling out”)

·         Fecal incontinence (unconscious excreting stool)

·         Repeated urinary tract infections

·         Pelvic floor or bladder pain

·         Pain during intercourse

Women must not learn to live with these conditions as an effectual help is available, thanks to urogynecology. An urogynecologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who accomplishes fellowship training in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor disorders.