Many people live with mild bladder or pelvic symptoms, thinking “it’s just aging,”. They don’t even know these are signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. Most women assume bladder control problems are normal and don’t tell their doctor. Left unchecked, these issues can lead to serious problems. The weakened pelvic support causes “serious health issues, like… pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD)… or urinary/fecal incontinence”. Recognizing early warning signs is key to protecting your health and comfort. Below is a quick overview of warning signs that you might need pelvic floor therapy.
Warning Signs You Need Pelvic Floor Therapy
Even mild symptoms can signal pelvic floor problems. If you notice any of these signs repeatedly, consider seeking professional help.
Bladder & Urinary Issues
The common urinary and bladder issues are detailed here:
Urinary Incontinence
Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, lift, or laugh. This “stress incontinence” is very common and indicates weak pelvic muscles.
Urgency/Frequency
A sudden and uncontrollable urge to pee or needing to urinate very often. You may feel an urgent need to rush to the bathroom, or you may get up many times at night.
Hesitancy
Problems start with the urine stream or feeling that the bladder is not empty fully after urination. You may need to strain or push to begin peeing. This usually happens when the pelvic floor muscles are uncoordinated or too tight.
Bowel & Digestive Issues
Some of the common digestive and bowel issues you may face are detailed here:
Constipation
Straining or pushing hard to have a bowel movement. Chronic constipation (hard and infrequent stools) often coexists with pelvic floor dysfunction. If you notice you must push a lot or still feel full after pooping, the pelvic muscles may not be relaxing properly.
Fecal Incontinence
Involuntary loss of stool or gas, even just a small leak. If you can’t control bowel movements completely, or you get sudden urges and accidents, this indicates weakened control of the pelvic muscles around the rectum. Up to half of the people with long-term constipation also have pelvic floor issues.
Painful Bowel Movements
Pain or a blocked feeling when you poop. Pelvic floor spasm can make bowel movements very uncomfortable or feel obstructed. For example, one clinic explains that chronic muscle tension can make it “very hard to pass a bowel movement… leading to several small, sometimes painful, bowel movements per day”.
Pain & Pressure
If you are facing these kinds of pain and pressure, you may have pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
A constant or recurring ache low in the belly, pelvis, or tailbone. You might feel a deep ache or pressure that doesn’t go away. This can worsen after standing or at the end of the day. (It may be described as “achy, heavy or burning”.)
Heaviness or Bulging Sensation
Feeling like something is “coming down” or a heavy pressure in the vagina or rectum. You might even see or feel a bulge at the vaginal opening when you strain. These heaviness and fullness sensations often accompany pelvic organ prolapse and need attention.
Sexual Health Issues
Pelvic floor dysfunctions affect your personal life in the following ways-
Pain During Sex
Discomfort or sharp pain with vaginal intercourse for women. Pelvic floor tension often causes dyspareunia (painful sex).
Sexual Dysfunction
Changes in sexual function. In women, this might mean pain, lack of orgasm, or loss of sensation; in men, it can show up as erectile difficulties. In fact, pelvic floor dysfunction is known to cause erectile dysfunction in men and painful intercourse in women.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t ignore them. What seems minor now can worsen over time. Recognizing the warning signs early allows you to seek help, prevent more serious issues, and restore women’s pelvic wellness.
How Do I Know If I Need Therapy or Just Home Exercises?
For minor symptoms, your provider may recommend pelvic floor exercises like Kegels that you can perform at home. These exercises help to strengthen your muscles & prevent problems early.
However, generic exercises aren’t always enough. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, it’s time to consult a specialist.
At-home pelvic floor exercises (like bridges or Kegels) are great for mild issues, but if incontinence, pain, or constipation continue despite exercises, see a pelvic floor therapist. A specialist will assess you and provide a targeted plan.
Remember, a home-exercise program works best as a supplement. A trained pelvic floor therapist or urogynecologist will tailor exercises to your needs and may use biofeedback or devices to ensure you’re doing them correctly. It’s fine to begin with simple exercises, but persistent leaks or pain usually require professional evaluation.
How Do Urogynecologists Diagnose Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
A urogynecologist will first take a thorough history. They may ask questions about your bladder & bowel habits, surgeries, births, and other medical conditions. They perform a physical exam for women and a rectal exam for men. During your test, the provider will check your muscle tone and strength. According to your health conditions, they may suggest other tests like cystoscopy, urodynamic tests, bladder scan, anal manometry, or defecography. After the detailed diagnoses, the provider suggests a personalized treatment plan for your pelvic health issue.
Where to Find Pelvic Floor Therapy & Urogynecology in Brookfield?
Looking for Pelvic floor therapy Brookfield or a urogynecologist near me? SAAK Health may be an excellent choice. We specialize in pelvic care, gynecology, and urinary and fecal incontinence treatment. Visit us for comprehensive diagnostic treatment options like urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, bladder scans, & more.
As a dedicated Urinary Incontinence Specialist Wisconsin clinic, we treat leaks, urgency, prolapse, and related issues in women & men. Our goal is to promote women’s pelvic wellness by restoring function and confidence. Whether you have stress leaks, an overactive bladder, constipation, or pelvic pain, a SAAK urogynecologist will evaluate you and create a care plan.
What Happens During Your First Pelvic Floor Therapy Appointment?
During your first visit to a pelvic floor therapist at SAAK Health, you will go through a detailed evaluation. Our professionals will ask about your medical history, the symptoms you are facing, and any treatment you have tried earlier. The treatment may include an internal exam (vaginal or rectal) to check muscle tone, strength, & coordination.
The therapist will explain what they find and educate you on how your pelvic floor is working. Finally, the therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan. This might include tailored exercises, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, or referrals for further tests. At SAAK Health, our specialists make sure you understand the plan and feel comfortable.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, but the symptoms are not just something you have to live with. Leaks, urgency, constipation, pelvic pressure, and pain are warning signs that your pelvic floor needs attention. The good news is that these issues are treatable. Most people see significant improvement with pelvic floor therapy. Early recognition and care prevent more serious problems such as organ prolapse or chronic pain.
Remember: pain or leaks are not “normal,” but effective treatments exist with the right providers. Trust SAAK Health to strengthen your pelvic health and improve overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should see a urogynecologist instead of a regular gynecologist?
You may benefit from seeing a urogynecologist if you have persistent or complex pelvic floor issues. These include urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels, or ongoing pelvic pain. While a regular gynecologist handles routine reproductive and preventive care, a urogynecologist specializes in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor disorders with advanced evaluation and treatment options.
What is the difference between a urogynecologist and a gynecologist?
A gynecologist focuses on general women’s reproductive health, including annual exams, contraception, pregnancy care, and menstrual health concerns. A urogynecologist is a gynecologist who has completed additional fellowship training in pelvic floor disorders, allowing them to specialize in bladder, bowel, and pelvic support problems using both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Can pelvic floor therapy help both urinary leakage and bowel control problems?
Yes. Pelvic floor therapy can be very effective for both urinary leakage and bowel control issues. Strengthening and retraining the pelvic floor muscles improves bladder and bowel support, coordination, and control. Therapy can also help relax overly tight muscles that contribute to urgency, pain, or difficulty emptying.
When should I worry that my pelvic floor symptoms are getting worse, not better?
You should seek medical attention if your symptoms increase in frequency or severity, interfere with daily activities, cause pain, or do not improve with conservative treatments such as exercises or lifestyle changes. Warning signs include worsening leakage, a noticeable vaginal bulge, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels, or new pelvic pain. Early evaluation may prevent symptoms from becoming more serious and allow for simpler treatment options.