Pelvic floor disorders affect the connective tissue, ligaments, and muscles found in the lowest region of the pelvis. They are responsible for supporting organs like the vagina, uterus, bladder, rectum, and bowel. While it may not be discussed as often as some of the organs it supports, it is still an essential part of the body.

The term pelvic floor disorder refers to a condition that weakens the muscle or tears connective tissues. This type of damage can appear for many reasons. Some are better understood than others.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Disorders?

Most causes are not known. However, traumatic injury of the pelvic area can cause this disorder. Injury can occur due to trauma or complications during childbirth. It can also happen due to repeated straining.

Am I At a Higher Risk for Pelvic Floor Disorders?

An average of one out of four women who are 20 years of age or older will experience pelvic floor disorder. You may be at a higher risk if you:

• Are Pregnant – Pregnancy and childbirth strain the pelvic floor and can cause weakness.
• Are Going Through Menopause – Pelvic floor muscles weaken during menopause which can cause pelvic organ prolapse.
• Are A Senior – The pelvic floor weakens as we age.
• Have Family History – You have a higher risk if there is a family history. Some women have weaker pelvic floor muscles due to genetics.
• Are Obese – Being overweight adds pressure to the bladder and can cause pelvic muscles to weaken.
• Smoke – Smoking increases your risk of a pelvic floor disorder as well as many other diseases.
• Eat a Poor Diet – Difficult bowel movements from a low-fiber diet can cause irritation and pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Exert Yourself – Exertion or heavy lifting, especially if it is repetitive, can cause leakage and weakness.

If you notice signs of a pelvic floor disorder or if you have questions about your body, contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield for a gynecological appointment. We are available to help women stay healthy throughout every life stage.

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We get pretty good at knowing how and when to go to the bathroom once we’re out of diapers. Then one day, something changes, and you begin to question whether you need to get back into diapers again.

After years of having things under control, you start to lose it. A sudden cough or sneeze can produce leakage. Maybe you were doing an exercise or riding an amusement park ride. Many things can cause it, but how do you stop incontinence?

It Happens to Most of Us

This can be a difficult subject for some women to discuss because it’s embarrassing. Who wants to tell their friends that they peed their pants?

The reality is that this happens to most of us. Researchers reported that between 3% and 17% of women experience it. That sounds like a very conservative estimate, considering how many people prefer to hide the problem.

If you are pregnant or have given birth, then you are more likely to experience incontinence. That’s because your pelvic floor is weaker, which makes it harder to hold urine. Anything that applies pressure can cause leakage – even something as simple as a laugh.

Taking Control of Your Bladder

Knowing that other women deal with this problem may be comforting, but it doesn’t give us any real solutions. So how do you retake control of your bladder?

Kegel exercises are one option. They tighten the pelvic floor and improve strength. You can do them on your own or talk to a gynecologist if you need guidance. Call Women’s Health office today for a gynecological exam, so we can provide you with the best treatment plan for your female incontinence.

The post Why Do I Pee When I Laugh, Cough, or Sneeze? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) is a term used to describe a group of medical conditions. They can be found in the ligaments, connective tissue, and muscles located in the lowest region of the pelvis. This area is vital because it provides support for important organs like the bladder, bowel, rectum, vagina, and uterus.

Causes of Pelvic Floor Disorders

A PFD can develop if the pelvic muscles are weakened or if tears form in connective tissues. Damage can prevent the pelvic floor from working effectively and providing support internal organs need. As the condition worsens, it can cause functional problems in the organs it supports.

Who Is at Risk for Pelvic Floor Disorders?

A number of factors can raise the risk of developing a PFD. It can be genetic, with some women born with weaker pelvic floor muscles. Caucasian women are more likely to develop related issues as well as Mexican American women. Your risk may increase if you are:

• Overweight
• Don’t eat enough fiber
• Don’t drink enough water
• Smoke
• Lift heavy objects
• Give birth to a child
• Experiencing menopause
• Aging

Other health problems can cause PFDs. Chronic straining and constipation, pelvic injury or surgery, sexual dysfunction, chronic coughing, lung conditions, and emotional stress can play a role and should be closely monitored.

Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

Some patients prevent or alleviate PFDs by strengthening the pelvic floor. This can be done using Kegel exercises every day. There are two types you should do: short contractions and long contractions. Talk to your Women’s Health and Menopause Center gynecologist to learn more

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