Pelvic floor dysfunction

We have discussed multiple problems involving pelvic pain that often are triggered by or can result in the development of muscles that are overly tight, painful and do not relax in a normal manner when performing normal activities of the pelvic floor such as relaxing when you want to pass urine, relaxing when you want to pass stool and relaxing during sexual intercourse or pelvic examinations.  Muscles can become dysfunctional as a result of many of the pain disorders we have discussed.  However, when a child has problems of chronic constipation, recurrent urinary tract infections, introital pain disorders or urinary frequency this is a sign that the pelvic floor dysfunction started during the initial process that we call potty training.  Patients with these kinds of problems in childhood often go on to have the same pelvic floor disorders in adulthood.  Physical therapists trained in the management of pelvic floor dysfunction will use various techniques to improve your ability to control your muscles.  Other interventions such as Botox injections or sacral nerve stimulation are sometimes required to provide the muscle awareness necessary to overcome years of dysfunction.  Determining when your pelvic floor muscles become dysfunctional is extremely important in understanding the etiology to your pelvic floor problems.  Together, you and your provider should carefully explore your history and understand not only the cause of your problems but also the various triggers that keep your muscles tight.