Pelvic Floor Therapy is a popular and effective treatment that helps individuals regain control, support, and function of their pelvic floor muscles. While many people benefit from this treatment in terms of reduced pain, improved bladder control, and sexual health enhancement, some may experience bleeding or spotting after the therapy. If you have recently undergone pelvic floor therapy and experienced bleeding, it is essential to understand why this might occur and what steps to take next. This article gives an in-depth look at potential causes of bleeding after pelvic floor therapy and practical advice on managing this side effect.
Bleeding After Pelvic Floor Therapy Table of Contents
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
Bleeding after pelvic floor therapy may be attributed to several factors. Understanding these causes can help alleviate any anxiety or fear surrounding this side effect.
1. Vaginal sensitivity: One of the most common reasons for bleeding after pelvic floor therapy is an increased sensitivity in the vaginal tissues. The therapy involves the manipulation of the pelvic floor muscles through manual techniques or the use of devices like dilators and weights. This process can lead to mild irritation or increased sensitivity, causing bleeding or spotting.
2. Vaginal dryness: Another reason for bleeding may be due to vaginal dryness. As estrogen levels naturally decrease over time, particularly during peri-menopause and menopause, vaginal dryness can become an issue. When undergoing pelvic floor therapy, the friction caused by the therapist's fingers or devices can exacerbate pre-existing dryness, causing micro-tears and bleeding.
3. Infection: Though rare, an infection of the urinary tract (UTI) or vagina (bacterial vaginosis) can cause bleeding after pelvic floor therapy.
4. Underlying medical issues: In some cases, bleeding after pelvic floor therapy may signify a pre-existing condition, like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you experience consistent bleeding after therapy, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider so they can rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Bleeding After Pelvic Floor Therapy Example
Suppose a woman named Alice is undergoing pelvic floor therapy for stress urinary incontinence. After a recent session, she notices some spotting and bleeding. Alice recognizes that her vaginal dryness, which has worsened over the past year, is the cause of this bleeding. To manage this side effect, Alice discusses this issue with her therapist and opts to use a water-based lubricant during her therapy to minimize friction. Additionally, with her healthcare provider's approval, Alice starts using a vaginal moisturizer to manage her ongoing dryness.
Experiencing bleeding after pelvic floor therapy can be concerning. However, it is essential to remember that some causes, such as increased sensitivity or vaginal dryness, are manageable. If you experience any consistent bleeding after therapy, it is crucial to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, who can determine the best course of action to preserve your health and wellbeing. Knowledge is power, and the more you learn about possible side effects and how to manage them, the better your overall experience with pelvic floor therapy will be.
We encourage you to share this article with others who may be experiencing bleeding after pelvic floor therapy and invite you to explore our other guides here on Pelvic Floor Therapy to expand your understanding of this important topic.