Gynecology and obstetrics care for pelvic health in Atlanta GA
Gynecology and obstetrics experts in Atlanta say that one in three women over the age of 20 will experience a pelvic floor disorder (PFD) in their lifetime. And PFDs occur when women have weakened pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue which may cause pelvic organ prolapse, bladder control problems, or bowel control problems.
Gynecology and obstetrics: What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
OBGYN’s say that pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to control the muscles of your pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region. Your pelvic floor acts like a sling to support the organs in your pelvis — including the bladder, uterus, rectum, and or prostate. Contracting and relaxing these muscles allows you to control bowel movements, urination, and, for women particularly, sexual intercourse.
Pelvic floor dysfunction forces you to contract your muscles rather than relax them. As a result, you may experience difficulty having a bowel movement.
If left untreated, pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to discomfort, long-term colon damage, or infection.
Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms
Gynecology and obstetrics experts explain that there are several symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. If someone is diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction, the patient may experience symptoms including:
- urinary issues, such as painful urination or the urge to urinate
- constipation or bowel strains
- lower back pain
- pain in the pelvic region, rectum, or genitals
- discomfort during sexual intercourse for women
- pressure in the pelvic region or rectum
- muscle spasms in the pelvis
- Overactive bladder
- Painful intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Bladder pain
- Bowel incontinence: Involuntary passing of gas or stool
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?
The exact of a pelvic floor is still being researched, though specialist can link pelvic floor dysfunction to conditions or events that weaken the pelvic muscles or tear connective tissue:
- childbirth
- traumatic injury to the pelvic region
- obesity
- pelvic surgery
- nerve damage
Treating pelvic floor dysfunction
The goal for treating pelvic floor dysfunction is to relax the pelvic floor muscles to make bowel movements easier and to provide more control. And there are 3 methods which are
- Medication
- Self-care
- Surgery
Gynecology and Obstetrics expert in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA
Although embarrassing or sometimes painful, pelvic floor dysfunction is a highly treatable condition. As your Atlanta and Alpharetta OB/GYN, our care at Georgia Obstetrics & Gynecology centers around you. We focus on providing you the thoughtful treatment that you deserve.
Call us today! Book a consultation with your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.