You could have pelvic-floor dysfunction if your symptoms include incontinence. A pelvic exam may be necessary to diagnose the condition. What is a pelvic examination and what can you expect from one?
What is a Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic muscles, located in your base of torso, are important in supporting the pelvic organs. This includes the bladder as well as intestines and the uterus. The pelvic floor also maintains continence or voluntary control over urination and feces. The pelvic dysfunction that is caused by pelvic issues can cause many problems. These include pain during sex and erectile difficulties, as well as leaky stool or urine. The causes of these problems are varied, from trauma to pregnancy to weight gain to ageing.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to get your pelvic area examined.
- Needing to use the bathroom frequently
- Feeling forced to use the restroom
- The bathroom is often used in a loop, with many stops and starts.
- Long-term constipation
- Straining for a bowel move
- Leaking urine or stools
- Painful Urination
- Lower back Pain
- Pelvic pain
A pelvic examination may be recommended if there is any doubt about your pelvic health.
What is a Pelvic Floor Examination?
A pelvic examination is just what it says: a pelvic examination. Physical therapists who specialize in pelvic floors are usually the ones to perform it. A pelvic examination will usually be done both internally and outside to help the doctor understand the entire area.
How to Prepare for the Pelvic floor exam
Many people are nervous about having a pelvic exam, as the pelvis is such a sensitive part of their body. There are some things that will always be the same, regardless of whether you are at a clinic or a healthcare provider. Here’s what to expect.
The experience begins with paperwork. Your therapist comes to you and takes care of you in a private area. You will introduce yourself and have the opportunity to talk and chat about different things, such as:
- What brought about your examination
- What are the symptoms?
- Referred by Who
- You can also look at your daily eating and drinking habits.
- Your pain levels during different activities
- How often do you use the toilet in a day?
After that, you will need to do an evaluation. This includes moving around, taking measurements and testing.
Your therapist may tell you in advance what to expect. You can choose to delay the internal examination or decline it. If you choose not to do an internal exam, the therapists will try their best with what they know.
If you accept an internal exam, your therapist will come back when you are ready and perform the pelvic floor examination. You will be asked to return when you are ready for the pelvic floor exam. The therapist may check for irritation, swelling, or pain in the vulva. Using lubricant, they will examine you inside. They’ll look for tightness in your pelvic muscles and assess how well you can control them. You may have to perform Kegels, hold down your shoulders, or cough. The therapist will feel externally for any tight areas. All of this shouldn’t be painful. It may, however, feel uncomfortable.
You will have the opportunity to remove your clothing before your therapist returns to discuss the findings. Your therapist will discuss in detail what was found during your evaluation. This includes how you’ve been affected, what symptoms may have arisen, and any possible problems with your pelvic area.
The doctor will also go over your treatment plan. This will heavily depend on what the cause is of your pelvic-floor issues. Kegels can be done at home. Other times, you might need to do hip stretches or core strengthening exercises. If you have pelvic pain, your doctor may ask you to return for physical therapy. The length and frequency of the treatment will depend on what exactly is wrong.
Your therapist is going to do everything they can to help you understand your pelvic floor problems. You will have the chance to ask questions. If your pelvic issues are related to GI problems or nutrition, you may be referred on to other specialists.
In conclusion
You should also be aware that the experience you have with your pelvic-floor exam may vary. This overview will hopefully help you prepare and feel calm before your pelvic-floor exam. This type of exam can make you feel anxious or scared. However, any pelvic specialist will tell you that this should only be done with your consent, when ready, relaxed and feeling empowered.
