PELVIC FLOOR TREATMENT VIC

Helps Menopausal and Postpartum Women

Pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, accidental bowel leaks and pelvic organ prolapse, are commonly viewed as a normal part of aging. But these symptoms should not be taken lightly.

“Women often feel alone and will suffer silently with symptoms related to pelvic floor issues until they severely interfere with their quality of life” said Dr. Emily Rutledge, a urogynecologist at Houston Methodist Urogynecology Associates at Clear Lake. Pelvic floor refers to the group of muscles around your bladder, uterus, vagina or anus.

Keeping silent is rarely a medical risk, but doing so can severely impact your overall well-being. Here are some common questions from women who have experienced pelvic floor issues — along with some helpful answers.

Q. I suffer from urinary leakage when I sneeze, laugh, cough or exercise. Is this normal?

A. It may feel as if you’re alone, but you’re not — 1 in 3 women will experience a pelvic floor disorder, such as urinary incontinence, in her lifetime. Generally, women suffer silently because these problems due to embarrassment. On average, women wait about five years from symptom onset to seek help and be evaluated.

Q. Is incontinence just a part of getting older and something I must accept?

A. “Not at all. Women of all ages can be impacted by incontinence,” Rutledge explained. “And with so many treatment

Learn More

options available, it’s not something you have to just live with.” Treatments range from bladder training, pelvic floor muscle exercises, medications and vaginal inserts to minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Q. I feel a bulge and heaviness down below. What’s causing this?

A. “Pelvic organ prolapse can be responsible for these symptoms,” Rutledge said. “It is similar to a hernia through the vagina. The most common reason that this happens is from childbirth, particularly vagina deliveries.” Pelvic organ prolapse is a loss of the normal support of the pelvic organs (i.e. bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum). They begin to slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This can eventually lead to problems emptying your bowels and bladder. There are many treatments available for this common condition.

Q. What’s the danger if I do nothing?

A. While pelvic floor disorders are rarely medical emergencies, both prolapse and urinary incontinence can greatly affect your life. In fact, women with these conditions may choose their clothing, schedules and activities around the fear of losing bladder control or discomfort from prolapse. These conditions may also impact sexual function and confidence during intimacy.

B ottom line — if you are experiencing pelvic floor issues, don’t let shame or embarrassment keep you from seeing a specialist. “I understand that these are very private issues that can be difficult to discuss,” Rutledge shared. “During evaluation, my goal is to reassure patients that they are not alone and discuss options that can help them find relief.” •

I f you have unanswered questions about pelvic floor disorders, visit houstonmethodist.org/pelvic-health or call 713.441.5800 to make an appointment with a urogynecologist.