Pelvic pain is a common problem, with an estimated 15% of women experiencing pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months. The cause of pelvic pain can range from gynecologic issues to bodily changes related to age, but it’s often traced back to problems with the pelvic floor.
Your pelvic floor is a set of muscles that support your pelvic organs, including your bladder, rectum, bowel, and uterus. Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause prolapse, where organs drift downward and cause discomfort.
Pelvic floor problems are closely linked to sexual dysfunction, but another common issue that many women experience is urinary incontinence. When your urinary tract is affected, it can lead to involuntary urine leakage.
Pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and urinary incontinence are all problems that have the power to significantly impact your quality of life. The good news is that Stuart Shoengold, MD, and our physical therapy specialists at Center for Female and Male Sexual Medicine are here to help.
We offer personalized, confidential pelvic floor therapy programs for women.
Sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems can take many forms, and these issues are very personal for many women. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain or incontinence, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, because we can help.
While medications, such as hormone replacement therapy, can help women struggling with painful intercourse and other symptoms of menopause, not everyone is interested in prescription drugs to manage their symptoms.
Pelvic floor therapy is a comprehensive approach to sexual wellness that doesn’t require drugs or surgery. Targeted exercises and manipulations build strength in muscles that have suffered damage over the years.
Our team might recommend pelvic floor therapy as part of a comprehensive sexual wellness plan.
You could benefit from pelvic floor therapy if you’re bothered by symptoms of:
Pelvic floor therapy can also benefit women suffering from several different types of sexual dysfunction, including vaginismus and changes that come with menopause.
Your pelvic floor therapy program begins with a comprehensive physical exam. Our team takes the time to review your medical history and your symptoms so we can tailor your program to address your needs.
Your physical therapist educates you about your anatomy and your symptoms to help you understand the reasons behind your pain. We evaluate your condition and recommend targeted physical therapy exercises to improve the symptoms.
Every pelvic floor therapy program is unique. We offer a range of drug-free, nonsurgical treatments for women as part of our pelvic floor therapy offerings, including physical therapy exercises, manual therapy, massage, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback.
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, including Kegel exercises, can reduce muscle deterioration and minimize incontinence. These targeted exercises increase awareness of the muscles that help improve sexual satisfaction and decrease pain with sex.
Biofeedback involves placing sensors on the vaginal walls to measure your muscle tone. Coupled with physical therapy and exercises at home, the biofeedback method allows you to see your progress.
If you’re suffering from pelvic pain or urinary incontinence, you don’t have to turn to drugs or surgery. Find out if pelvic floor therapy could be right for you with a consultation at Center for Female and Male Sexual Medicine. Call our office in Millburn, New, Jersey, at 973-302-5860 or book online now.
