Pelvic floor dysfunction: Symptoms, treatment, and exercises Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about pelvic floor dysfunctionMedically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Jessica Caporuscio, Pharm.D. — Updated on August 11, 2022The muscles, ligaments, and tissues of the pelvic floor support the bladder, rectum, and sexual organs. When the supportive structures weaken or become especially tight, doctors describe it as pelvic floor dysfunction. It is a common health issue. When a person has pelvic floor dysfunction, the organs in the pelvis may drop. They often press down on the bladder or rectum, causing a leakage of urine or stool. Or, a person with this condition may have trouble urinating or passing stool. Keep reading to learn more about pelvic floor dysfunction — including the symptoms, treatments, and some exercises that may help. What is pelvic floor dysfunction Share on PinterestThe Good Brigade/Getty ImagesThe pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that surround the pelvic bone. The muscles attach to the front, back, and sides of the bone, as well as to the lowest part of the spine, called the sacrum. The function of the pelvic floor is to support the organs in the pelvis, which can include the:bladderrectumurethrauterusvaginaprostate People with pelvic floor dysfunction may have weak or especially tight pelvic floor muscles. When the muscles tighten, or spasm, people may have trouble urinating or passing stool. When they weaken, the organs within the pelvis may drop and press down on the rectum and bladder. The table below outlines several common types of pelvic floor dysfunction.Type of pelvic floor dysfunctionDescriptionObstructed defecationThis occurs when stool enters the rectum, but the body cannot fully evacuate the bowels.RectoceleThis involves tissue from the rectum protruding into the vagina. Stool may get caught in this pocket, forming a bulge in the vagina.Pelvic organ prolapseThis refers to the pelvic floor stretching and the pelvic organs dropping as a result of age, childbirth, or a collagen disorder.Paradoxical puborectalis contractionThis involves a pelvic floor muscle called the puborectalis contracting. When it happens, trying to pass stool may feel like pushing against a closed door.Levator ani syndromeThis involves the pelvic floor muscles spasming after bowel movements. It can cause lasting dull pain or achy pressure high in the rectum.CoccygodyniaThis refers to pain in the tailbone that worsens during and after bowel movements.Proctalgia fugaxThis involves painful spasms of the rectum and muscles in the pelvic floor.Pudendal neuralgiaThis refers to irritation or damage to the pudendal nerves, which help the pelvis function.UrethroceleThis refers to the urethra pressing into the vagina.EnteroceleThis involves the small intestine descending and pushing into the vagina, forming a bulge.CystoceleThis involves the bladder dropping and pushing into the vagina.Uterine prolapseThis refers to the uterus descending and pushing into the vagina. Symptoms Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a variety of symptoms, and some can interfere with daily life. Depending on the type of pelvic floor dysfunction, a person may experience:pelvic painpressurea bulge somewhere in the lower pelvic regionstress urinary incontinence, which involves a small amount of urine leaking from the body due to an activity such as coughinginvoluntary leakage of stoolincomplete urinationbowel movement dysfunctionpain during sexual intercourse Also, some people who see their doctors about bladder overactivity find that pelvic floor dysfunction is responsible. Causes Many issues can cause the structures of the pelvic floor to weaken, including:agesystemic diseaseslasting health issues that cause increased pressure in the abdomen and pelvis, such as a chronic coughpregnancytrauma during deliverymultiple deliverieslarge babiesoperative delivery Research indicates that stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or both occur in about half of all women who have given birth. These issues are closely associated with birth-related injury to the pelvic floor muscles. There are several types of urinary incontinence. Read about them here. The pelvic floor muscles can also stretch naturally with age. Stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse become more common with increasing age in females, for example. Collagen disorders can also affect the muscles’ ability to support the pelvic organs. Meanwhile, coccygodynia usually stems from trauma to the tailbone, such as from a fall. That said, in about one-third of people with the condition, the cause of coccygodynia is unknown. The pain can make having a bowel movement difficult. Treatment Doctors determine the cause of pelvic floor dysfunction before recommending treatment because different types of dysfunction require different approaches. The purpose of treatment is to relieve or reduce symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life. For some people, a combination of treatment methods works best. Doctors may recommend:Dietary changes: For example, eating more fiber, drinking more fluids, and taking certain medications can make bowel movements easier.Laxatives: Taking a daily laxative may help people with pelvic floor dysfunction pass stool, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider first because not all laxatives are equally effective.Pain relief: Some people require injections of pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication to relieve their symptoms.Pelvic floor rehabilitation: This is usually administered by a pelvic floor physical therapist this can include a range of techniques including muscle exercises, myofascial release, massage, and electrical neural stimulation [TENS].Biofeedback: This involves electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, or massage of the pelvic floor muscles to help improve rectal sensation and muscle contraction.Pessary: A doctor or nurse inserts a pessary into the vagina to support prolapsed organs. This type of device can help treat various symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, either as an alternative to surgery or while a person awaits surgery.Surgery: When prolapse interferes with daily activities, a doctor may recommend surgery. Large rectoceles also require surgery if the person experiences symptoms. Stem cell therapies Researchers behind a 2016 study investigated whether a stem cell-based therapy could resolve pelvic floor dysfunction in rats. The researchers engineered the stem cells to produce and release elastin and collagen into the pelvic floor and injected them into rats with pelvic floor dysfunction. The elastin and collagen promoted the repair of pelvic floor structures and decreased signs of stress urinary incontinence. In a final component of the study, the researchers developed stem cells that blocked a factor that stops the production of elastin. This promoted increased production and release of elastin into the pelvic floor. With further studies, researchers may find that similar therapies are effective in humans. When to see a doctor Anyone who experiences painful bowel movements, difficulty urinating or passing stool, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse should speak with a doctor. An unusual bulge in the lower pelvic region may also be a reason to see a doctor, though a bulge alone may not be a cause for concern. People with pelvic floor dysfunction have plenty of treatment options. While the topic may be uncomfortable to bring up with a doctor, it is important to seek professional advice about these symptoms. While some family doctors may not be familiar with pelvic floor dysfunction, specialists such as colorectal doctors, urologists, and gynecologists can help diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action. Summary Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, but pregnant women have the highest risk. The various types of pelvic floor dysfunction stem from different causes, and a doctor must identify the underlying issue before developing a treatment plan. Exercises can help some people with pelvic floor dysfunction. Depending on the cause, a doctor may also recommend dietary changes, medication, a pessary, biofeedback, or surgery. Last medically reviewed on August 11, 2022Pregnancy / ObstetricsUrology / NephrologyWomen's Health / Gynecology 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Akın, Y., et al. (2018). The novel and minimally invasive treatment modalities for female pelvic floor muscle dysfunction; beyond the traditional.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6158473/Ghaderi, F., et al. (2019). Pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of women with dyspareunia: a randomized controlled clinical trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6834927/Jin, M., et al. (2016). MicroRNA-29 facilitates transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to alleviate pelvic floor dysfunction by repressing elastin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5112649/Pelvic floor dysfunction. (2015).https://www.ichelp.org/about-ic/associated-conditions/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/Pelvic floor dysfunction. (n.d.).https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/pelvic-floor-dysfunctionThe pelvic floor muscles – A guide for women. (2018).https://pogp.csp.org.uk/system/files/publication_files/POGP-PelvicFloor.pdfWhite, B. (2020) Vaginal pessary for prolapse.https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/65609Ppessary.pdfFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Jessica Caporuscio, Pharm.D. — Updated on August 11, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageUrethral stricture: Everything you need to knowMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. Urethral stricture refers to scarring on the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Learn more about urethral…READ MOREWhat you need to know about uterine prolapseMedically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH Uterine prolapse is when the uterus descends into the vagina. 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