Can a weak pelvic floor have long-term consequences?
October 27, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Simon Hinze
Dear doctor,
my name is Sandra Köhler and I have been struggling with pelvic floor weakness for some time now. I am not sure if I should be worried, as I have heard that this can have long-term consequences.
The situation is very distressing for me, as I have been experiencing increased difficulties in controlling urine and stool. I also feel a change during sexual intercourse and have the sensation that my pelvic floor is not as stable as it used to be. I am very concerned that these symptoms could have long-term effects on my health.
Therefore, my question to you as an expert: Can pelvic floor weakness have long-term consequences? Are there possible complications that may arise from it? And what measures can I take to alleviate my symptoms and prevent long-term damage?
I kindly request your expert assessment and possible suggestions for solutions to improve my health and quality of life. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Sandra Köhler
Dear Mrs. Köhler,
Thank you for your message and trust in my expertise as a gynecologist. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with pelvic floor weakness and that this is distressing for you. Pelvic floor weakness is a common issue that affects many women, and it is important that you take care of your health and avoid potential long-term consequences.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that pelvic floor weakness can have various causes, including pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, chronic coughing, hormonal changes, or simply aging. These factors can lead to the weakening of the muscles in the pelvic floor, which can result in the problems you described.
Long-term consequences of pelvic floor weakness can manifest in the form of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, uterine prolapse, or even sexual dysfunction. It is important to take these symptoms seriously, as they can not only affect your quality of life but also lead to further health problems if left untreated.
To alleviate your symptoms and avoid long-term damage, there are various measures you can take. I recommend speaking with a doctor specialized in pelvic floor disorders to make an accurate diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan. This may involve a combination of physical therapy, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or in severe cases, surgery.
Furthermore, it is important to adjust your lifestyle to strengthen your pelvic floor. This includes regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate fluid intake, avoiding obesity and smoking, and targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.
It is important not to hesitate to seek professional help and speak openly about your symptoms. The earlier you act, the better you can avoid long-term complications and improve your health.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Simon Hinze, Specialist in Gynecology
