What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that supports the bladder, uterus and rectum. When these muscles and tissues are weakened or damaged, it can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).
At Sofia & Grace, we help women of all ages manage the effects of PFD with quality urinary leakage management products. However, urinary leakage is only one symptom of PFD. Dysfunction of the pelvic floor can also cause issues with fecal incontinence, prolapse of the uterus or rectum, pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. It is a common condition among women, especially after childbirth or menopause. Many reasons for pelvic floor dysfunction are connected to changes in the body during various life stages.
Learn More About Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pregnancy and Childbirth
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Statistics show that childbirth is among the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. Some estimates suggest that 20% of first-time mothers experience a severe injury to the pelvic floor muscles while giving birth. However, women who perform pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy are less likely to experience these injuries.
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles stretch and weaken in preparation for childbirth. A hormone called relaxin is also released during pregnancy, which further loosens the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. These changes strain the pelvic floor and sometimes cause tears or other damage.
In childbirth, the baby’s head puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which can cause them to tear. Episiotomy, a surgical incision made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) to help deliver the baby, can also damage the pelvic floor muscles.
Menopause
The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can also give rise to pelvic floor dysfunction. Estrogen levels in the body begin to decline as women approach menopause. This hormone is responsible for keeping the pelvic floor muscles strong and healthy. When estrogen levels drop, the pelvic floor muscles can become weak and less elastic. This can lead to incontinence, prolapse and other challenges.
Traumatic Injuries
Pelvic floor dysfunction can also be caused by traumatic injuries, such as those that occur during a car accident or a fall. When the pelvis is subjected to sudden impact, it can cause the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor to tear or rupture. This type of damage can be severe and may require surgery to repair. Even if the damage is not extreme enough to require surgery, it could still cause pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic Surgery
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Pelvic surgery, such as a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) or a laparotomy (surgical incision into the abdomen), can also cause pelvic floor dysfunction. While often necessary, these surgeries can sometimes damage the pelvic floor muscles and result in PFD.
Even surgery that is not directly on the pelvic floor, such as a hip replacement, can create dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. This is because the muscles and tissues around the hip are closely connected to those of the pelvic floor. When surgery is performed in this area, it can sometimes damage the pelvic floor muscles as well.
Find Out How Kegel Ball Exercises Can Help You Manage PFD
Excess Weight
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Being overweight or obese can also strain the pelvic floor muscles, leading to PFD. Excess weight puts pressure on the pelvis and can cause the muscles to weaken over time. If you need assistance managing your weight, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight safely and ease the strain on your pelvic floor.
Other Causes
These are the many other potential causes of pelvic floor dysfunction:
- Chronic coughing
- Chronic constipation
- Heavy lifting
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Conclusion
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common challenge, but there are ways to treat it. If you think you may be experiencing PFD, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you. For example, you may want to consider pelvic floor physical therapy. To learn more about this option, consider reading "What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?" on our blog.