Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to disorders that affect bowel control. Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, vagina in women, and prostate in men. These muscles also control the functions of your bowel and bladder through contraction and relaxation.

If you’re unable to contract or relax your pelvic floor muscles properly, you can experience fecal or urinary incontinence or constipation. You’ll find these symptoms embarrassing and difficult to discuss. Additionally, many doctors might not be familiar with the many types of pelvic floor dysfunction disorders responsible for your symptoms.

The experts at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford specialize in the diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction and provide targeted treatments aimed at easing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.

What are pelvic floor dysfunction disorders?

There are several types of pelvic floor dysfunction disorders that cause varying symptoms. Some of the types include:

Rectocele

Rectocele is when the rectum bulges into the vagina, which can make it feel as though you can’t fully empty your bowel.

Pelvic floor prolapse

Pelvic floor prolapse is a weakening of your pelvic floor muscles that cause your pelvic organs to fall into your vagina or rectum. With pelvic floor prolapse, you can have difficulty emptying your bowel or bladder or suffer from fecal or urinary incontinence.

Obstructed defecation

Obstructed defecation is a type of pelvic floor dysfunction that makes it difficult for you to have a bowel movement.

Levator syndrome

Levator syndrome is a type of pelvic floor dysfunction that causes pelvic floor muscles to spasm.

How is pelvic floor dysfunction diagnosed?

The experts at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford take a whole-person approach to care and conduct comprehensive examinations when you come in with symptoms that indicate pelvic floor dysfunction. During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms and medical history and does a physical exam.

The team might also run diagnostic tests like an endoanal/endorectal ultrasound, anorectal manometry, defecography or colonic transit study to confirm or rule out the cause of your symptoms.

How is pelvic floor dysfunction treated?

The specialists at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford develop individualized treatment plans for your pelvic floor dysfunction based on the cause and the severity of your symptoms. Your treatment plan can include:

• Dietary changes
• Biofeedback
• Anti-inflammatory or anesthetic injections

Surgery is rarely needed for pelvic floor dysfunction. However, the team could recommend surgery if your symptoms are severe or your prolapse is large.

For comprehensive care for your pelvic floor dysfunction from an experienced team, call Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford or book an appointment online today.