Pelvic Floor Disorder, Rising Silent Condition Taking Toll In Women

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Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD)is currently on the rise and according to studies the figure has risen from 20% -50% of women who have had more than one child. First of all what is pelvic disorder? PFD are a group of conditions that affect the pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis. It supports your organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.

This condition occurs in both men and women. The pelvic floor prevents these organs from falling down or out of your body. It also helps the organs function properly.

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According to Dr Preena Sivsankar from The Urology Hospital, Pretoria, many women in developing countries do not disclose this condition due to stigma or lack of health services yet research shows pelvic floor disorders impact negatively on women’s self-esteem, relationships with their partners and their ability to work. 

However, the condition can often be effectively treated, she said.

Pelvic floor disorders are caused by damage to pelvic muscles either during childbirth, through heavy lifting, from obesity or after a hysterectomy.

“Pelvic floor dysfunction varies in severity and symptoms include pain during sex, pain in the pelvic area, leaking of urine or faeces, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel as well as a dragging sensation or “bulge” in the rectum or vagina, Sivsankar said.

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A study in Ethiopia and research in the US found that at least one in five women suffer from pelvic floor disorder, Sivsankar said.  

In Australia it’s estimated that at least half of women who have had more than one child have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic organs slipping from the normal position, she added.

“SA trends are believed to be similar to those recorded internationally,” she said.

Dr Sivsankar said The Urology Hospital had a dedicated Pelvic Wellness Clinic where specialists in urology, urogynecology and colorectal surgery diagnose and treat pelvic floor disorders through a host of surgical and non-surgical options.

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