Many women suffer from pelvic, vaginal, abdominal or rectal pain. They often undergo many tests and even invasive surgeries to try and fix this problem, but continue to suffer from pain. Many women are afraid to even approach the subject with their physicians because they are ashamed or embarrassed. Pain in these regions is not normal and it will likely not go away on its own. Pain is usually a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
Causes of pain in these regions can be related to tissue damage and scar tissue build-up from child-birth or previous surgeries or trauma, organ prolapse, or simply too much tension in your pelvic floor muscles, the ones that support our reproductive organs and control bladder and bowel function. If you feel lower abdominal, lower back or vaginal pain or pressure while on the toilet or during intercourse, it is likely you will need Pelvic Therapy. A physical therapist specialized in pelvic health can help diagnose and treat the cause of your pain.
Other signs of pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions are urinary retention, constipation, incontinence, feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder, or that it takes a while to get the stream of urine started once you’re sitting on the toilet. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or any pain in the pelvic or nearby regions, contact your physician and request a referral to see a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist. No women should be suffering from unnecessary pain, nor should they be ashamed to seek help for it.