What Is A Pelvic Floor Examination?

Intro:

The pelvic floor is a critical part of the body that supports various organs and plays a significant role in functions such as bowel control and sexual health. It’s essential to have a healthy pelvic floor, but sometimes complications may arise, warranting an examination to assess and diagnose any issues. In this guide, we'll explore what a pelvic floor examination is, why it's essential, and what to expect during the process. Don’t forget to share this guide with your friends and family as we unravel the mysteries of the pelvic floor examination.

What is a pelvic floor examination?

A pelvic floor examination, also known as a pelvic floor assessment, is a medical procedure performed by a qualified healthcare professional to evaluate the function, strength, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. This assessment helps to identify any abnormalities or dysfunctions within the pelvic floor that may contribute to complications such as incontinence, prolapse, or sexual dysfunction.

Why is a pelvic floor examination important?

A pelvic floor examination is essential to assess the health and function of your pelvic floor muscles. It can help diagnose a range of conditions that may impact the quality of your daily life, such as:

- Pelvic organ prolapse: A condition where the pelvic organs descend and create a bulge in the vaginal wall.

- Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine due to weak pelvic floor muscles.

- Fecal incontinence: Inability to control bowel movements, causing leakage of feces.

- Sexual dysfunction: Difficulties with sexual arousal, orgasm, or pain during intercourse.

- Pelvic pain: Chronic pain in the pelvic region, possibly caused by tight or weak pelvic floor muscles.

By identifying issues with your pelvic floor, your healthcare professional can recommend the appropriate treatment to improve your symptoms and overall well-being.

What to expect during a pelvic floor examination?

A pelvic floor examination may seem intimidating, but understanding the process can help put your mind at ease. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:

1. Detailed history: Your healthcare professional will begin by taking a thorough medical and personal history, asking about symptoms, pregnancies, surgeries, and any other factors that may impact the pelvic floor.

2. Visual inspection: The practitioner will examine the external genital area for any abnormalities, skin lesions, or signs of prolapse.

3. Internal Examination: With your consent, the practitioner will conduct a gentle internal examination using a gloved and lubricated finger. During this time, they will assess the strength and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles by asking you to contract and relax them. They may also check for any pain, tenderness, or tightness of the muscles.

4. Additional tests: Depending on the findings, your healthcare professional may perform further tests such as an ultrasound to visualize the pelvic floor muscles or a urodynamic evaluation to measure bladder function.

5. Results discussion and treatment plan: After the examination, the practitioner will discuss their findings and any potential diagnoses. If necessary, a personalized treatment plan may be devised, including options such as pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, or specialized physical therapy.

What Is A Pelvic Floor Examination? Example:

Maria, a 35-year-old mother of two, has been experiencing occasional leakage while sneezing and jumping. She decides to visit her healthcare professional and undergoes a pelvic floor examination. The examination shows that her pelvic floor muscles are weak, and her doctor recommends a series of pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback sessions to help improve her muscle strength and coordination.

A pelvic floor examination is a crucial step in identifying and treating any issues that you may be experiencing. Don’t shy away from seeking help and discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes in managing pelvic floor dysfunction. Remember to share this comprehensive guide with others and explore our other articles on Pelvic Floor Therapy to further enhance your knowledge and take control of your pelvic health.