Pevlic Floor Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a variety of conditions due to failure of relaxation of the pelvic muscles leading to pain in the area of the pelvis or low back and is associated with a variety of other pelvic symptoms like painful urination, painful sex, or painful bowel movements

Causes

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can be caused by injuries, pregnancy, childbirth, aging and is frequently associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder. In this condition there is no anatomical or structural disease present to explain the pain.

How do I know if I have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The anorectal pain in pelvic floor dysfunction lasts for at least 20 minutes. Prolonged sitting makes the pain worse. There may be chronic constipation, straining, hard or thin stools, and incomplete evacuation. Prolapse of the rectum or other pelvic organs may occur. There may be a history of voluntary holding of bowel or bladder at a younger age. Many have had previous pelvic or spinal surgery. Childbirth may be a precipitating factor. Urinary or fecal incontinence may be present. There may be a history of sexual abuse.

Treatment

We will obtain a complete history and perform a digital rectal exam, anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Tenderness is more prominent on the left side of the rectum. Moving the examining digit from back to front may reproduce pain.

Anorectal manometry with balloon expulsion test may be done in our office. EMG or anal ultrasound may be ordered. MRI with defecography is done to visualize the pelvic floor motion and surrounding anatomy. Urological and gynecological consultations may be ordered.

We might initially add fiber, stool softeners, increase water intake, eliminate foods that make symptoms worse, add exercise, stress relief, treat associated hemorrhoids or anal fissures and add topical ointments to relax the sphincter muscles. Biofeedback training can help improve symptoms by relaxing the pelvic muscles.

Pelvic floor dysfunction requires a complete evaluation by an experienced specialist.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction are ONLY treated by Dr. Carmen Fong, MD, a double board certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon and General Surgeon. She has many years of experience caring for patients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

Dr. Fong sees patients in:

Call us today at (770) 442-3117 or request an appointment online.

New Shock Wave Therapy at HCA for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Atlanta Locations Only
Pelvic floor dysfunction has a new treatment option-SoftWave tissue regenerative therapy. This FDA-cleared Low-Intensity shock wave therapy is an exciting addition to our non-invasive approach. SoftWave delivers targeted shock waves to the pelvic/perineal area in a painless fashion to help relieve pain and muscle spasticity that has been resistant to other forms of treatments. SoftWave is used to treat the underlying cause by stimulating stem cells to promote healing. SoftWave will help repair weakened muscles, enhancing strength and function.

SoftWave is used to help alleviate pelvic floor problems such as pelvic pain, stress urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. It can also help tailbone pain, vulvodynia, and post surgical abdominal scar pain. Softwave therapy is applied via an external probe. The energy regenerates damaged tissue, improves blood flow, and reduces inflammation. SoftWave can also dull nerve pain and reduce spasm.

SoftWave is easy and safe to perform. No anesthesia is required, and no recovery time is needed. Treatment sessions last around 15 minutes. Many patients notice immediate improvement in their pain. 4-6 treatment visits are usually required for optimal results.

SoftWave therapy is an excellent addition to pelvic floor therapy. When other treatments have failed it is time to seek consultation with Dr. Carmen Fong. Dr. Fong’s excellence as a ColoRectal Specialist/Proctologist will allow her to carefully examine you and explain the various causes of pelvic pain and offer you all of the non-surgical treatment options.

Start healing today with the painless SoftWave technology. Finally, get the relief you deserve. Call us today at 770-442-3117. We have 6 Atlanta area offices for your convenience.