What is a pelvic floor dysfunction?

The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles and connective tissue in your pelvic area that form a bowl-like network between the hip bones, pubic bone and tail bone. Contracting and relaxing these muscles is what allows control of both bowel and bladder movements.

In women, pelvic floor disorders often arise as a result of pregnancy or labor, though they can present for other reasons, such as nerve damage or prior pelvic surgery, or even just as a result of aging.

Nearly 1 in 4 women suffers from a pelvic floor disorder and, too often, they don’t seek treatment. It might be uncomfortable to talk about pelvic floor disorders, but there are many treatment options that can make you feel normal again.

Regardless of the cause of your symptoms, a team of Ohio State specialists will work to ensure that treatment is complete and comprehensive.

Expert pelvic floor treatment that changes lives

If you’re a woman, there’s a 1 in 4 chance you’ll experience a pelvic floor disorder in your lifetime. Often, it’s difficult to discuss your condition or know when and where to seek treatment. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, our Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery experts are specially trained in treating urologic conditions specific to women. Our team provides comprehensive testing, evaluation and treatment options designed to relieve your symptoms.

Just because you’ve had children or are getting older doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Whether you’re struggling with urinary incontinence or are experiencing discomfort from pelvic organ prolapse, our team of specialists provides personalized, compassionate care and will help create a treatment plan that’s right for your unique concerns. Our goal is to provide the least invasive, most effective treatment possible.

As a division of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, we provide the latest surgical, nonsurgical and behavioral therapies. If surgery is necessary, we may be able to offer robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System for a shorter hospital stay, easier recovery and minimal scarring.

We understand the impact a pelvic floor disorder can have on your daily life. That’s why our ultimate goal is to return the freedom and function you need to enjoy activities again without the worry of persistent symptoms.

What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?

While there are many different causes of pelvic floor problems, one of the most common reasons for the weakening of pelvic muscles is childbirth, particularly vaginal births. Pelvic floor disorders may also arise from previous surgeries or nerve damage, and are also more prevalent in people who are obese.

Pelvic floor disorder symptoms

• The feeling that you need to urinate frequently, or a sudden urge to urinate
• Leaking when you sneeze, cough or exercise
• Feeling like you cannot fully empty your bladder even after you urinate
• Heaviness, fullness, pulling or aching in the vagina
• Mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting
• Strong urge to urinate with inability to make it to the bathroom in time

Common pelvic floor issues

We regularly provide treatment for women experiencing:

• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse (including cystocele, rectocele, uterine and vaginal prolapse)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Fecal incontinence
• Genitourinary and rectovaginal fistulas
• Microscopic hematuria (non-visible blood in urine)
• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Pelvic injuries
• Vaginal atrophy (menopausal changes in the vagina, like dryness and discomfort)
• Voiding dysfunction

Diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction

An Ohio State clinical team will perform a physical exam and get a thorough understanding of your health history. You may also be asked to keep a diary of your fluid intake and urinary habits.

Additional testing, such as a cystoscopy or an in-office bladder test might be performed to better understand an individual’s unique condition.

Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction

For many with pelvic floor dysfunction, there are several treatment options available. At Ohio State, these options include:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication to prevent or minimize bladder overactivity
• In-office Botox®
• Pessary (a device that can be inserted into and removed from the vagina to provide support)
• Minimally invasive or vaginal surgery, including nonmesh surgical options
• Sacral neuromodulation

Some pelvic floor exercises, including Kegel exercises, can easily be performed at home.

Pelvic floor/Kegel exercises for women

Pelvic floor/Kevel exercises for men

Expert pelvic floor treatment that changes lives

If you’re a woman, there’s a 1 in 4 chance you’ll experience a pelvic floor disorder in your lifetime. Often, it’s difficult to discuss your condition or know when and where to seek treatment. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, our urogynecologists are specially trained in treating urologic conditions specific to women. Our team provides comprehensive testing, evaluation and treatment options designed to relieve your symptoms.

Just because you’ve had children or are getting older doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Whether you’re struggling with urinary incontinence or are experiencing discomfort from pelvic organ prolapse/vaginal prolapse, our team of specialists provides personalized, compassionate care and will help create a treatment plan that’s right for your unique concerns. Our goal is to provide the least invasive, most effective treatment possible.

As a division of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, we provide the latest surgical, nonsurgical and behavioral therapies. If surgery is necessary, we may be able to offer robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System for a shorter hospital stay, easier recovery and minimal scarring.

We understand the impact a pelvic floor disorder can have on your daily life. That’s why our ultimate goal is to return the freedom and function you need to enjoy activities again without the worry of persistent symptoms.