PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION - PFD

When you have pelvic floor dysfunction, your pelvic muscles can’t relax or work together the way they should. If these muscles can’t relax, only tighten, you may have:

• Constipation
• Peeing frequently
• Trouble controlling your bowels or urine, leading to leaks
• Pain during sex in women
• Erectile dysfunction in men

Sometimes, experts aren’t sure what causes pelvic floor dysfunction. But things that may trigger it include:

• Pelvic surgery
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Being overweight
• Overuse of the pelvic muscles
• Serious injuries to the pelvic area

CIRCUMSTANCES THAT INCREASE RISK OF PFD

• HEALTH HISTORY & AGE OF BIRTH PARENT
• DELIVERY FACTORS
  • Use of vacuum or forceps
  • Episiotomy
  • Pushing phase greater than 2-hours
• INFANT OR FETAL FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
• PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE STRETCHINGAND/OR INJURY
  • Birth weight over 8 pounds
  • Position of fetal head in occipital posterior
  • Fetal shoulder positioning complicating delivery

TYPES OF PFD AFTER VAGINAL DELIVERY

• CHANGES IN BOWEL CONTROL
  • Obstetric Sphincter Anal Injuries
• PELVIC ORGAN POSITION CHANGES
  • Prolapse
• SEXUAL FUNCTION
  • Painful penetration
  • Changes from stretching, tears  and/or scars
• BLADDER LEAKAGE
  • Urinary incontinence

If you or someone you know is having concerns about recovery from childbirth or feel your quality of life has been affected, we’re here to help! Call us to schedule your FREE consultation.