What is Pelvic Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor is a complex system of muscles, ligaments and organs that facilitate reproductive, urinary, bowel and postural functions. Together with the diaphragm, it acts as a cylinder, helping to maintain a balance of pressure in the abdominal cavity. 1 in every 3 women and 1 in 6 men [1] will experience pelvic dysfunction at some point in their lives.

What is pelvic dysfunction?

Pelvic dysfunction negatively affects the quality of life for many individuals, often leading to isolation, decreased mobility and lower levels of energy — understandably so! Exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle is no easy feat while experiencing incontinence and/or pain.

Just because we don’t discuss it doesn’t mean that pelvic health isn’t a significant part of our lives and the lives of those we love. Pelvic dysfunction, or being unable to fully or adequately control the muscles of the pelvic floor, can be the root cause of or major contributor to a number of health concerns, including:

• Constipation
• Incontinence
• Painful urination
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Symptoms related to prostatitis
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Pelvic, lumbar and general abdominal pain
• Pain or heavy cramping during menstruation

How can pelvic dysfunction be treated?

Addressing pelvic dysfunction is so much more than a simple kegel exercise. In fact, more often than not, addressing pelvic dysfunction is a matter of learning how not to engage certain muscles by gaining full control of the pelvic floor muscles rather than strengthening them.

Developing an understanding of your body and the muscles that make up your pelvic floor is key in tackling the difficulties that pelvic dysfunction poses. That’s where physiotherapy comes in. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will make a comprehensive assessment of your pelvic floor and how it functions, teaching you how to control your pelvic floor muscles and take control of your health.

It’s time we start talking about pelvic dysfunction and diving into the treatments and solutions available to make our lives better!

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