9 signs of pelvic floor problems
Pelvic floor problems are common, but many people do not realise their symptoms may be linked to the pelvic floor. These muscles sit out of sight, but they play an important role in supporting the bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs. They also help with control, stability, and normal day-to-day function.
Even though the pelvic floor works mostly subconsciously, it can be assessed, trained, and improved, much like any other muscle group. If you are noticing changes in bladder control, bowel habits, pelvic heaviness, or pelvic pain, these may be signs of pelvic floor problems that should not be ignored.
Quick summary
- Pelvic floor problems can affect both women and men.
- Common signs include bladder leakage, urgency, frequent toilet trips, bowel control problems, pelvic pain, and prolapse symptoms.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction can happen when the muscles are weak, stretched, overworked, or too tight.
- Pregnancy, childbirth, constipation, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, ageing, and previous pelvic injury can all contribute.
- Pelvic floor issues are common, but they are not something you should just put up with.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve control, support, strength, and confidence.
What are the signs of pelvic floor problems?
The signs of pelvic floor problems can vary from person to person. Some people notice small changes at first, while others have more obvious symptoms that affect exercise, daily life, or confidence.
Common signs of pelvic floor problems include:
- Accidentally leaking urine when you exercise, laugh, cough, or sneeze
- Needing to get to the toilet in a hurry or not making it there in time
- Going to the toilet very often
- Finding it difficult to fully empty your bladder or bowel
- Accidentally losing control of your bladder or bowel
- Accidentally passing wind when you do not mean to
- A feeling of heaviness, dragging, or a bulge in the pelvic area
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Painful sex
These symptoms are often treated as something people should just live with, but that is not the case. Bladder leakage, bowel control issues, and pelvic heaviness are common, but they are not normal.
What does pelvic floor dysfunction feel like?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can feel different depending on the type of problem and whether the muscles are weak, stretched, or too tight.
- In women, it may feel like heaviness or a bulge in the vagina, along with discomfort, pulling, dragging, or a dropping sensation.
- In men, it may feel like heaviness in the back passage or a constant sensation of needing to open the bowels, even when you do not actually need to go.
- Some people mainly notice urgency, leakage, or poor bladder and bowel control.
- Others may experience pelvic pain, tension, or discomfort during movement, sitting, or sex.
Why do pelvic floor problems happen?
Pelvic floor problems can occur when the muscles are stretched, weakened, poorly coordinated, or too tight. In some people, the muscles do not provide enough support. In others, the issue is that the muscles do not relax properly.
Some people have pelvic floor weakness from an early age. Others notice symptoms during certain stages of life, such as pregnancy, after childbirth, or around menopause. Pelvic floor problems can also develop when the muscles are overworked without learning how to relax properly.
What affects pelvic floor muscle fitness?
There are a number of factors that can affect pelvic floor muscle fitness and increase the risk of pelvic floor problems.
- Not keeping the muscles active enough
- Overworking the muscles without adequate recovery or relaxation
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- A history of back pain
- Ongoing constipation and straining to empty the bowels
- Being overweight or obese, or having a BMI over 25
- Heavy lifting at work or in the gym
- A chronic cough or frequent sneezing, including with asthma, smoking, or hayfever
- Previous injury to the pelvic region, such as a fall, surgery, or pelvic radiotherapy
- Getting older
When should you get help for pelvic floor problems?
You should get help if your symptoms are affecting your confidence, comfort, exercise, work, or daily life. Even mild symptoms can become more frustrating over time if they are not properly addressed.
It is worth seeking assessment if you are experiencing:
- Urine leakage, even if it only happens occasionally
- Persistent urgency or frequent toilet visits
- Bowel control issues
- Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
- Pelvic pain or painful sex
How Lilyfield Physio can help
At Lilyfield Physio, we help patients manage pelvic floor problems with a clear and supportive treatment approach. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and lower abdominal muscles can help support the bladder and bowel, improve urinary and bowel control, and reduce the chance of accidental leakage.
Like other muscles in the body, pelvic floor muscles can get stronger with the right exercise program. This is important for both men and women. Just as importantly, some people need help learning how to relax and coordinate these muscles properly, not just strengthen them.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic pain, our team of physios in Inner West Sydney can help guide your recovery with a tailored plan.
A referral is not necessary. Your GP may also be able to arrange a chronic disease management plan, which may entitle you to a Medicare rebate.
