Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Prevalence
While it may seem that you are the only one suffering from pelvic pain and unwanted symptoms, pelvic floor dysfunction is quite common–you are not alone. One in three women will experience a pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime, and 50 percent of women over the age of 55 are affected.
According to Rebalance Physical Therapy and Wellness, “10% of men will experience pelvic pain symptoms; 50% of men will deal with prostate problems at some point in their lives; 97% of the men who experience prostatitis symptoms will be treated with antibiotics despite no evidence of prostate or bladder infection; The majority of men who do not show signs of infection can have pelvic floor dysfunction and can be treated with physical therapy.”
Factors That Increase Your Risk of Developing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Post-menopause (Hormonal Changes)
- Those over the age of 40
- Gynecological or urinary surgery
- Chronic illness
- Medication
- Smoking
- Chronic straining (constipation or heavy lifting)
- Radical Prostatectomy
- Prostate enlargement
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Multiparous (having had more than one child) and Obstetric trauma (from forceps, suction, tearing)
How To Prevent Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Avoid constipation – your stool should be soft and easy to pass.
- Drink plenty of water – your urine should be the color of pale lemonade.
- Sit on the toilet, don’t hover – position knees higher than hips while having a bowel movement by using a stool to prop your feet on.
- Avoid straining while urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Avoid going to the bathroom to urinate “just in case.”
- Get rid of a permanent cough.
- Maintain a healthy body mass index.
- Participate in regular exercise and recreational sporting activities to keep you fit and healthy.
- Exercise your pelvic floor. Consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to assess if you are doing exercises correctly.