About Pelvic Floor Disorders
Both men and women have a pelvic floor, in women in particular, the pelvic floor consists of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that support the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum to help these organs function. Pelvic floor disorders affect the muscles, organs and overall function of the pelvic floor. When the muscles and tissue in the pelvis become weak and can no longer support the pelvic organs, it can cause pelvic organ prolapse. This can cause women to have difficulty controlling gas, bowel movements or urination, and cause painful urination or bladder pain. These disorders can often be reversed or controlled with a variety of treatment options.
Risk Factors for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Certain people are at greater risk of developing a pelvic floor disorder
Risk factors for pelvic floor disorders may include:
- Health history: Childbirth, obesity, damaged or weakened nerves, heavy lifting, and other factors and conditions can affect pelvic floor functionality
Treating Pelvic Floor Disorders at UT Health Austin
Your care team may conduct a pelvic examination to evaluate and determine the cause of your pelvic floor disorder. Depending on the cause, a variety of treatments may be recommended as a part of your care plan, typically starting with medications and pelvic floor physical therapy but in more severe cases surgical intervention may be an option. The goal of your treatment is typically to strengthen and restore function to your muscles. Regardless of your treatment plan, your care team will work with you to understand the risk and benefits and what you can expect throughout your care and recovery.
Care Team Approach
Patients are cared for by a dedicated multidisciplinary care team, meaning you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Our team of board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists, fellowship-trained subspecialists, pelvic floor physical therapists, advanced practice providers, and more work together to provide unparalleled care for patients every step of the way. We also work closely with referring physicians and other partners in the community to schedule and coordinate any additional care services you may need.
We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care and provide a seamless experience for women from adolescence to menopause and beyond.
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