“My insides are falling down,” explained Mandy, a young mother of three, during her annual GYN exam. Initially, she hesitated to express her discomfort, saying she was “fine.” However, as the conversation progressed, her real concerns surfaced. Since giving birth to her third child, Mandy had been experiencing bladder leakage and an unsettling feeling that her pelvic organs were not properly supported.
Like many women, Mandy had been quietly accepting the changes in her body and giving up activities she once loved, such as playing tennis, due to the stress these movements placed on her bladder.
Pelvic Health Challenges: A Common Issue Among Women
Mandy’s experience is not uncommon. In fact, one in four women faces pelvic health issues at some point in their lives. These challenges can significantly affect daily life, yet many women may choose to tolerate them, thinking they are just part of aging or the aftermath of childbirth. However, it is important to recognize that these issues can be addressed with proper care and treatment.
Common Risk Factors for Poor Pelvic Health
Several factors contribute to poor pelvic health:
- Pregnancy and childbirth: The strain on the pelvic area during pregnancy and delivery can weaken the muscles and cause long-term issues.
- Menopause: As women go through menopause, their pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken, increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
- Heredity: Women with a family history of pelvic floor disorders (PFD), such as a mother or sister with similar issues, are more likely to develop these conditions.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of problems.
Other contributing factors include chronic constipation, a poor diet, smoking, heavy lifting, chronic coughing from lung conditions, nerve injuries, and other health issues.
What Does a Healthy Pelvic Floor Look Like?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that works around the clock, supporting essential organs such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum. When the pelvic floor functions properly, it leads to several positive outcomes:
- Normal bladder and bowel function: No issues with urinary or fecal leakage.
- Properly supported reproductive organs: There is no feeling of pressure, sagging, or the sensation that the pelvic organs are “falling down.”
- No significant pain or discomfort: Whether from aging, childbirth, or previous injuries, a healthy pelvic floor should not cause pain.
- Good sexual function: Pelvic health plays a key role in ensuring a satisfying and comfortable sexual experience.
Treatment Options for Pelvic Health Issues
If you experience any of the symptoms of poor pelvic health, such as bladder leakage, pelvic pain, or the feeling of your organs sagging, there are a variety of treatment options available:
- Medications: Depending on the cause, medications may help relieve symptoms or address underlying conditions.
- Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and weight management can have a positive impact on pelvic health.
- Physical therapy: Pelvic floor therapy can strengthen muscles and reduce symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
- Noninvasive procedures: Minimally invasive options, such as using pessary devices, can offer relief without surgery.
- Pelvic reconstructive surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore pelvic organ support.
Regain Your Quality of Life
Specialists called urogynecologists—OB/GYNs who are board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)—are trained to address pelvic health issues. With the right diagnosis and treatment, women like Mandy can regain control over their pelvic health and enjoy life once again.
With treatment, Mandy was able to enjoy life again. You can too. If you experience problems with bladder or fecal leakage, pelvic pain, the sensation of your insides “falling down” or impaired sexual function, call us at 770.720.7733 to schedule an appointment with one of our FPMRS physicians or simply schedule an appointment online.
