Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) may not be a topic people talk about openly, but it significantly improves your quality of life.
PFD occurs when the muscles, ligaments, & connective tissues of the pelvic floor do not function properly. The tissues of the pelvic floor support organs like the bladder, rectum, and uterus (in women). Some noticeable symptoms arise when these pelvic structures fail to work properly, whether by becoming too weak, uncoordinated, or too tight.
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects both women and men. Its diverse manifestations make it a diagnostic challenge.
Symptom Spectrum- Recognizing the Warning Signs
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects both women and men. Because it can manifest in several ways, like hypertonicity, weakness, or poor coordination, the pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms vary. Explore the core sign clusters-
Urinary Issues
Urinary problems present loss of control over the pelvic floor’s coordination & strength.
- Urinary Incontinence: Leakage during coughing, sneezing, laughing, or any physical activity.
- Urinary Urgency: Frequent strong urge to urinate.
- Difficulty emptying bladder: Weak or interrupted stream, feeling of incomplete emptying, or straining to void.
- Pain during urination is also a significant cause of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Bowel & Rectal Issues
In these cases, the pelvic floor contracts rather than relaxes during bowel movement, and evacuation becomes obstructed (a paradoxical contraction).
- Chronic constipation or straining- facing difficulty in initiating or completing bowel movements
- Fecal incontinence – It includes involuntary leakage of stool or gas
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Rectal pressure or pain
Pain, Pelvic Organ Descent & Sexual Dysfunction
Pelvic floor pain, organ descent & sexual dysfunction emerge when the support system fails, or when hypertonicity (too much tightness) causes chronic tension and pain.
- Persistent pain in the pelvic, genital, or rectal regions
- Reduced sexual satisfaction or dyspareunia
- Pelvic organ prolapse is a sensation of bulging or heaviness in the vagina/ rectum.
- Lower back pain often occurs without a clear cause
Reasons of Dysfunction- Explore Why the Pelvic Floor Fails
The major causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are multi‑factorial. It combines aging changes, injury, stress, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Some of the key contributing factor includes the followings-
Pregnancy, Childbirth & Repetitive Pelvic Trauma
Vaginal childbirth, especially with the use of forceps, vacuum, prolonged labor, or large babies. It overstretches or injures the levator ani muscles, nerves, fascia, and connective tissue.
Chronic Straining & Constipation
Ongoing straining during bowel movements enhances intra‑abdominal pressure & drags downward on the pelvic floor.
Pelvic Surgery & Radiation
Operations like hysterectomy, prostatectomy, or pelvic radiation can disrupt muscle integrity, nerve pathways, or structural support.
Aging, Menopause & Hormonal Changes
With age, muscle tone and tissue elasticity decline. In women, lower estrogen after menopause affects connective tissues & vaginal/urethral support.
Obesity & Excess Pressure
Carrying excess weight chronically pushes down on the pelvic floor from within. It gradually overwhelms its capacity.
Chronic Cough, Heavy Lifting & High Impact Activity
Persistent coughing (e.g., from lung disease or smoking), recurrent heavy lifting, or high-impact sports increase intra‑abdominal and pelvic pressure stress.
Psychological & Muscular Tension Factors
Stress, anxiety, and chronic muscle guarding contribute to hypertonic pelvic floor states. It creates spasms, tension, and pain.
Paths to Relief- Treatment & Management Strategies
The goal of PFD treatment is to reestablish balanced function. It includes improving support, reducing excess tension, restoring normal control, and retaining coordination. EMFEMME 360 and EMSELLA chair are the most advanced non-invasive treatment options to improve pelvic health. Here is a detailed overview of these medical devices.
EMFEMME 360- Improves Pelvic & Intimate Health
EMFEMME 360 is a non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) treatment for pelvic and intimate health. It uses gentle heat to improve vaginal tissues and stimulate vaginal laxity. This may be the best treatment option to treat conditions like vaginal laxity, dryness, and mild urinary incontinence. The treatment requires no downtime, which allows individuals to return to their daily activities immediately. Explore how Emfemme 360 improves pelvic health-
- Tightens vaginal tissues
- Increases hydration & lubrication
- Improves blood circulation
- Addresses mild urinary incontinence
- Boosts sexual function
EMSELLA Chair- Strengthens the Pelvic Floor Muscles
The EMSELLA chair is a cutting-edge non-invasive device to strengthen the pelvic floor by using HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology. It induces thousands of supramaximal muscle contractions in a single treatment session. The EMSELLA chair creates intense stimulation to enhance pelvic strength by restoring neuromuscular control and remodeling muscle tissue. Explore how the EMSELLA chair helps-
- Leverages HIFEM Technology
- Supramaximal Contractions
- Analogy to Exercise
- Neuromuscular Re-education
- Muscle Remodeling
Conclusion
Pelvic floor dysfunction may feel isolating, but it is fairly common. More than 50% women experience pelvic floor disorders in their lives.
Knowing the common symptoms of PFD, choosing an excellent diagnostic path, and dedicated multidisciplinary care help individuals reclaim their daily comfort.
EMFEMME 360 and EMSELLA Chair are the most powerful invasive treatment options to strengthen pelvic health. If you are suffering from any signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, seek personalized guidance at SAAK Health. We offer advanced treatment options with EMFEMME 360 and EMSELLA Chair to restore confidence & revitalize intimate health.