Pelvic floor dysfunction is the name given to when the pelvic floor muscles or surrounding tissue are not working as they should do. Symptoms can include:
- Urinary Incontinence – Leakage of wee
- Overactivity of the bladder – needing to go to the toilet a lot and often urgently
- Prolapse of the pelvic organs – descent of the bladder, bowel or womb into the vagina
- Anal incontinence – leakage of poo or wind
- Dyspareunia – pain or discomfort with sex
PFD is common during and after pregnancy.
- 40-50% of women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy or immediately postnatally have some urinary leakage
- 25% of pregnant women can have reduced control of their wind or poo
- 20% of women 12months postnatally have a prolapse
- 3-12% of postnatal women struggle with pain during sex
However, although it is not uncommon to have these symptoms – they should not last long and should resolve quickly.
If symptoms last longer than 6 weeks after having your baby or are severe – we advise you to ask for help. Treatment is usually simple and doesn’t cause any pain. Please contact your GP for support.
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/physiotherapy/1000/