Pelvic Floor Disorders: Common in Women of All Ages

They’re not the kind of moments you discuss at the dinner table. But they happen every day to millions of women nationwide.

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• Urine leaks when you cough, laugh or exercise.
• Trouble having regular bowel movements.
• Feelings of fullness, discomfort or pain in your vagina.

These can be the signs of a pelvic floor disorder.

Time takes a toll on important muscles.

Your pelvic muscles form a sling that holds up your bladder, uterus and other pelvic organs. Childbirth, pregnancy, obesity, or simply the passage of time can weaken these muscles.

The result often is incontinence, or being unable to control when you go to the bathroom. Also, one or more of your pelvic organs may drop into or out of the vagina. This is called pelvic organ prolapse.

It’s estimated that 20% of U.S. women have a pelvic floor disorder. The condition is more common with age.

Check your pelvic health.

Other signs of a pelvic floor disorder include:

• A feeling of heaviness, fullness or pulling in the pelvis.
• A sensation that something is falling out of your vagina.
• Urgent or frequent need to urinate.
• Difficulty having a bowel movement or emptying your bladder.

If you experience pelvic health issues like incontinence or muscle problems, talk with your healthcare provider. Overlake Clinics' Pelvic Health team offers personalized treatments, starting with physical therapy, lifestyle changes and medication, and sometimes surgery if needed. We also provide Pelvic Floor Wellness classes for recovery and prevention. Don't let pelvic floor problems interrupt your life—get the support and treatment you need to regain your confidence and comfort.