What Does A Pelvic Floor Exam Entail?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause pain, embarrassment, and affect your overall quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or sexual difficulties, understanding the importance of a pelvic floor exam is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the process, so you know exactly what to expect when you walk in for your appointment. So, let's dive right into the details and put your mind at ease.

Section 1: What is a Pelvic Floor Exam?

A pelvic floor exam is an assessment performed by a healthcare professional, like a gynecologist, urologist, or pelvic floor therapist, to evaluate the strength and coordination of the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, controlling bladder and bowel functions, and affecting sexual health.

Section 2: Why is a Pelvic Floor Exam Necessary?

A pelvic floor exam is necessary for individuals experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction or weakness, which may include:

• Urinary incontinence or leakage
• Frequent urination or urge to urinate
• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels
• Constipation or straining during bowel movements
• Pain during intercourse or difficulty achieving orgasm
• Chronic pelvic pain, lower back pain, or pressure in the pelvic region

By observing and assessing the strength, flexibility, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, your healthcare provider can determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Section 3: What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor Exam

A pelvic floor exam is typically a three-part process that involves a visual inspection, a manual examination, and functional testing.

Visual Inspection

Your healthcare provider will begin by visually examining the external genitals, looking for any abnormalities or signs of distress. They may ask you to cough or strain to observe muscle movement and check for prolapse or bulging.

Manual Examination

The next step involves a manual exam, where your healthcare provider will insert one or two gloved fingers into the vagina or rectum to assess the strength and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. They will ask you to squeeze and relax your muscles, allowing them to feel for any muscle abnormalities, tenderness, or weakness.

Functional Testing

This part of the exam will involve asking you to perform specific movements, such as walking or squatting, to assess muscle coordination and function. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms, medical history, and overall quality of life.

Example: Mary's Pelvic Floor Exam Experience

Mary, a 45-year-old mother of two, had been experiencing urinary leakage and discomfort during sex. She scheduled a pelvic floor exam with her gynecologist after her symptoms persisted for several months. Upon arrival, the healthcare professional greeted Mary warmly and explained each step of the examination process. Mary was relieved that the exam didn't involve any pain and was grateful for her provider's understanding and empathy. After a thorough assessment, Mary's doctor recommended pelvic floor physical therapy to help her regain control and strength in her muscles.

Undergoing a pelvic floor exam can be an invaluable step towards better health and wellbeing. By providing essential information about your pelvic floor's strength and function, it can help you and your healthcare provider find the best course of treatment to address your concerns. Now that you have a better understanding of what a pelvic floor exam entails, you can face your appointment with confidence and optimism. If this guide has been helpful to you, please share it with your friends and explore other posts on Pelvic Floor Therapy for more valuable information.