Women’s Pelvic Health Management

Symptoms of pelvic health issues vary depending on the specific condition but may include:

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): Sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, bulging in the vaginal canal, or difficulty with bowel or bladder movements.
• Urinary incontinence: Involuntary urine leakage, particularly during physical activities (stress incontinence) or a sudden, intense urge to urinate (urge incontinence).
• Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region, which may be related to conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Menstrual disorders: Symptoms include painful periods (dysmenorrhea), irregular bleeding, or absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).

Pelvic health conditions are diagnosed using a variety of assessment methods:

• Pelvic examination: A physical exam to assess pelvic organ positioning and check for signs of prolapse or other abnormalities.
• Urodynamic testing: A specialized test to evaluate bladder function and diagnose causes of urinary incontinence.
• Imaging studies: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to visualize the pelvic organs, identifying conditions like fibroids, cysts, or prolapse.

Treatment for pelvic health conditions depends on the specific diagnosis and severity of symptoms. Common treatment options include:

• Physical therapy: Pelvic floor rehabilitation, such as Kegel exercises, to strengthen pelvic muscles and improve bladder and bowel control.
• Medications: For conditions like urinary incontinence or menstrual disorders, medications may include anticholinergics, hormone therapy, or pain relief.
• Surgical interventions: Procedures such as sacrocolpopexy (repair of prolapse with mesh) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended for severe cases.
• Lifestyle modifications: Managing weight, dietary changes, bladder training, and avoiding heavy lifting can help prevent further pelvic issues and improve quality of life.