Dr Chris Steele discusses Pelvic Floor Problems and incontinence

Pelvic Floor Problems

What are Pelvic Floor Problems?
These occur in many women, and can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment. Pelvic Floor Problems(PFP) can cause incontinence and other issues, but they are often not discussed or properly treated.

How do I know if I have Pelvic Floor Problems?
Would you answer YES to any of these questions:
  • do you ever have embarrassing incidents when you laugh, cough or sneeze?
  • are impact aerobics or trampolining a thing of the past?
  • do you find yourself desperately crossing your legs on the way to the bathroom?
  • do you always scout out bathrooms wherever you go?
  • does a long journey fill you with dread?
if so, you may have pelvic floor problems.

Who are the sufferers?
42% of women in the UK are sufferers common age is 25 – 49
21% experience symptoms before 29
40% of women are too embarrassed to consult their GP
On average, a woman waits 5 years before consulting her GP
1/3 of woman suffer problems 5 years after childbirth

Many women just accept PFP as a natural part of growing older and therefore do not seek treatment.

What are the causes of Pelvic Floor Problems?
After childbirth or with age, pelvic floor muscles begin to weaken. This means that the bladder and urethra are not supported correctly, and the weak muscle then affects the transmission of pressure. The pelvic muscle is a voluntary muscle so needs to be strengthened and toned the average woman has 20lb of organs sitting on her pelvic floor – so any ‘stress’ such as jumping, sneezing, coughing, full bladder pushes the organs downwards, therefore increasing the pressure

Childbirth is a big factor – when pregnant extra weight sits on the pelvic floor and vaginal birth can result in torn muscles. 1/3 of woman suffer problems 5 years after childbirth. Ageing can also cause pfp – as women go through menopause, the decrease of oestrogen levels weakens the pelvic muscles. Diabetes can cause pfp, and obesity can also be a contributing factor. And don't forget sheer neglect – use them or lose them!

What are the consequences of Pelvic Floor Problems?
Incontinence costs the NHS £424 million annually. For older women who have suffered with pfp for a long time, often the only solution is an operation. However this is not a permanent solution and often the muscles weaken again over time, and 50% of surgeries can fail after 2 years.

What can be done about it?
Regain your pelvic floor strength!
pelvic floor exercises is one option (kegel exercises) – recommended in 400 per day for at least 90 days for results. However, studies show that more than 43% do not finish training. It is also notoriously difficult to know if one is doing them correctly – and doing them incorrectly can make the problem worse.

However there are new products coming on the market that can help with Pelvic Floor Problems. One such is the Athena, invented by a US doctor to manage pain - but his wife suggested it might help with PFP! You can find out more about it here The Athena Pelvic Muscle Exerciser. Other products may also be available.
This content was created on Thu 22 February 2007

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