Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD) refer to a group of conditions that affect the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pelvic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. PFD can affect both men and women, although they are more common in women, especially after childbirth and menopause.

Causes and Risk Factors

Pelvic Floor Disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, chronic coughing or constipation, aging, neurological conditions, and previous pelvic surgery. Women who have given birth to multiple children, have a history of forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery, or have had a prolonged labor are at increased risk of developing PFD.

Symptoms and Complications

The symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorders can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Urinary incontinence (leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or laughing)

• Fecal incontinence (losing control of bowel movements)

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Painful intercourse

• Difficulty emptying the bladder or rectum

• Pelvic organ prolapse (when the pelvic organs descend into the vaginal canal)

Untreated PFD can lead to serious complications, including recurrent urinary tract infections, chronic pain, and a decreased quality of life.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention strategies for Pelvic Floor Disorders include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding constipation, practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), and seeking prompt treatment for chronic coughing or other medical conditions that can put pressure on the pelvic organs. For women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, working with a healthcare provider to develop a birth plan that minimizes the risk of pelvic floor injury during delivery can be helpful.

Treatment for Pelvic Floor Disorders depends on the specific condition and severity of the symptoms. Conservative treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or the use of pessaries (devices that support the pelvic organs). In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged pelvic floor.

Oriental Medicine Approaches

Oriental Medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be beneficial in treating Pelvic Floor Disorders. These modalities aim to balance the body's energy (Qi) and stimulate the body's natural healing response.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and restore balance. Research has shown that acupuncture may be effective in treating urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and other PFD symptoms.

Acupressure is a form of bodywork that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body with the fingers or other tools. Acupressure may be helpful in relieving pelvic pain and promoting relaxation in the pelvic muscles.

Conclusion

Pelvic Floor Disorders are common conditions that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms and complications. While prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of developing PFD, prompt treatment is essential to manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Oriental Medicine approaches, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be helpful in addressing PFD symptoms and promoting healing. Anyone experiencing symptoms of PFD should seek medical attention to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

References

• "Acupressure for Women: A Complete Guide to Self-Care and Relief" (2008) by Bob Doto. This book provides an overview of acupressure techniques for women's health, including a discussion of the use of acupressure for the relief of menstrual cramps and other pelvic pain.

• "Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain: Treating Pelvic Pain with Acupuncture and Related Therapies" (2016) by Dr. Richard Tan. This book explores the use of acupuncture and related therapies in the treatment of pelvic pain, with a particular focus on the "Balance Method" of acupuncture.

• "Healing Pelvic Pain: The Ultimate Guide to Pelvic Health" (2018) by Isa Herrera. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the management of pelvic pain, including a discussion of the use of yoga, massage, and other complementary therapies in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders.

• "Herbal Treatment for Pelvic Floor Disorders" (2016) by Kerry Bone. This book explores the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders, including the use of herbs to support the health of the pelvic floor muscles and the urinary and reproductive systems.

• "Pelvic Floor Disorders: Imaging and Multidisciplinary Approach to Management" (2017) by Vincent Lucente and R. Mark Ellerkmann. This book provides an overview of pelvic floor disorders, including their diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on a multidisciplinary approach that includes urogynecologists, urologists, and colorectal surgeons. The book also explores the use of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders.

• "Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction: A Differential Diagnosis Manual" (2017) by Leon Chaitow and Ruth Lovegrove. This manual provides a comprehensive guide to the differential diagnosis of pelvic pain and dysfunction, including a discussion of the role of myofascial trigger points and the use of manual therapy techniques, such as massage and myofascial release.

• "Pelvic Pain Explained: What Everyone Needs to Know" (2016) by Stephanie A. Prendergast and Elizabeth H. Rummer. This book provides an overview of pelvic pain, including a discussion of the role of the pelvic floor muscles in the development and management of pelvic pain.

• "The Female Pelvic Floor: Function, Dysfunction and Management According to the Integral Theory" (2010) by Peter E. Papa Petros. This book provides an overview of the integral theory of pelvic floor function and dysfunction, including a discussion of the use of physiotherapy and surgical interventions in the management of pelvic floor disorders.

• "The Pelvic Girdle: An Approach to the Examination and Treatment of the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Region" (2011) by Diane Lee. This book provides a detailed examination of the anatomy and function of the pelvic girdle, including a discussion of the role of the pelvic floor muscles in maintaining stability and mobility.

• "Yoga for a Healthy Lower Back: A Practical Guide to Developing Strength and Relieving Pain" (2013) by Liz Owen and Holly Lebowitz Rossi. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the use of yoga for the prevention and treatment of lower back pain, including exercises specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.