Home - Health - 3 Things You Should Know About Pelvic Floor Muscles And Constipation
...

3 things you should know about pelvic floor muscles and constipation

Pelvic floor muscles support abdominal organs including the rectum. Any problem with the pelvic muscles can interfere with the functions of the rectum and other organs such as the bladder and the vagina. In fact, pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a leading cause of constipation.

How PFD causes constipation?
PFD includes all the problems related to the proper abdominal and pelvic muscle movement during an evacuation. PFD consists of many disorders that cause problems with proper bowel functions.

  • When pelvic muscles do not coordinate muscle movement (relaxation and contraction), the condition is called dyssynergia. When pelvic muscles lose the ability to relax during the bowel movement, the condition is termed as anismus.
3 things you should know about pelvic floor muscles and constipation
Both dyssynergia and anismus can be a cause of constipation.
  • When pelvic muscles become weak due to any other medical condition, it can affect normal bowel functions and cause difficulty in elimination.
  • Diagnosis
    If all anatomic, disease-related and dietary reasons for your constipation have been eliminated, your doctor may suggest diagnostic tests for PFD.

    • Endoanal/endorectal ultrasound:  This is used to create images of the anus and nearby muscles through an ultrasound probe.
    • Anorectal manometry testing:  This is used to check the health and functions of various anal and rectal muscles.
    • Balloon expulsion:  This is used to test the time and efficacy of the rectum to expel a water-filled balloon, which is placed inside the organ.

    Treatment
    Treatment of PFD is possible through non-surgical methods.

    • Biofeedback training:  This uses audio and visual aids to retrain patients to use their pelvic and anal sphincter muscles (muscles surrounding the anal canal).
    • Kegel exercises:  This can help strengthen pelvic muscles. To do these exercises, you need to consciously relax and contract your pelvic muscles a few times every day. If weak pelvic muscles are a cause of constipation, practicing Kegel exercises can be very beneficial in treating the condition.

    When you have severe constipation, it helps to rule out all possible causes. When PFD is the cause of constipation, your doctor may guide you to the right treatment plan depending on the seriousness of your condition. Without treatment for PFD, your colon, rectum, and anus can suffer damage and worsen your constipation.

    Disclaimer:
    The content of the articles discussing symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects is solely intended for informational purposes. It is imperative that readers do not interpret the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are requested to use their discretion and refrain from treating the suggestions or opinions provided by the writers and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of licensed and expert healthcare professionals when necessary.
    Prev
    Here’s how you can lower your A1C levels

    Here’s how you can lower your A1C levels

    Read More
    Next
    Controlling eczema with popular medications and treatments

    Controlling eczema with popular medications and treatments

    Read More