Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) is an umbrella term encompassing problems with pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and the connective tissue that supports the pelvic organs. Sometimes, but not always, PFD is associated with pelvic pain. With PFD, the pelvic muscles may be tight, damaged or weak, which in turn, can lead to loss of bladder and bowel control (urinary or fecal incontinence).

In women, “pelvic-organ prolapse” also can occur, a condition where the pelvic organs drop, causing a bulge in the vaginal canal, which can lead to incontinence or pain during intercourse.

Although these symptoms may be embarrassing, pelvic floor dysfunction is actually quite common, and in most cases, easily treatable.

How We Can Help

At The Kaplan Center, we have years of experience treating patients with pelvic floor dysfunction and other chronic pain conditions, and we completely reject the notion that “you just have to live with it.”

At your first visit, your Kaplan physician will take time exploring the onset of your condition, the specific nature of your symptoms and the overall status of your health. You’ll also be asked about the medications and therapies you’ve tried in the past, and what has and hasn’t worked for you.

In addition to assessing possible musculoskeletal and postural problems, you may be evaluated for hormonal or dietary issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. When appropriate, we also use biofeedback to help assess the health of the pelvic floor muscles, and in some cases, specialized diagnostic laboratory testing may be necessary.

After reviewing all of the factors contributing to your condition, your physician will spend time talking with you about your diagnosis and working with you to create a customized and multi-dimensional treatment plan that addresses not only your immediate pain but also any possible underlying or co-existing conditions that may be causing or aggravating your symptoms.

We offer a multitude of effective treatment options, including:

• Physical Therapy
• Stress-Management Meditation Training
• Nutritional Counseling
• Biofeedback
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

In some cases surgery is necessary but usually there are non-surgical treatments that can help you reclaim control of your bodily functions and your life.

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Additional Resources:

Article: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: 6 Myths Busted!
Research: Forecasting the Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disorders National Institutes of Health
Research Review: Biofeedback for pelvic floor dysfunction in constipation BMJ