Understanding Pelvic Organ Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Pelvic organ dysfunction may be complex, impacting the bladder, rectum, pelvic floor and nerves which then result in chronic pain. Most people consider these symptoms of pelvic organ dysfunction as normal effects of aging or do not report them to a healthcare provider; however, early diagnosis can impact them for the better.

This overview covers potential causes, symptoms and diagnostic and treatment strategies to help you realize if it’s time for you to get specialized care.

What Is Pelvic Organ Dysfunction?

Pelvic organ dysfunction occurs when the pelvic organs malfunction. This means the bladder, bowels, reproductive organs, nerves that control them, and pelvic muscles are not performing correctly.

Pelvic organ dysfunction can occur in both women and men and it can cause such conditions as sexual dysfunctions, urinary symptoms, bowel dysfunction, or chronic pelvic pain. These symptoms may appear slowly or following childbirth, injury, operation, infection, or some other disorder.

Common Causes of Pelvic Organ Dysfunction

Exactly what causes it isn’t clear since they tend to differ, though various variables are responsible.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction

Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles impede bladder and bowel function and can also cause chronic pelvic pain.

Nerve Disorders

Pain, frequent and urgent desire to urinate, or an urge for the bladder to be completely drained could result from nerve disorders.

Inflammation

It is common for inflammation in the urinary organs to continue to exist after an infection is clear and for that cause the patient has an infected sensation.

Previous Surgery or Injury

Whether it’s from an operation, an automobile crash, an infection, or childbirth, damaged or inflamed nerves and tissues in the pelvis have an effect on how your organs operate.

Stress or Lifestyle

Your lifestyle and stresses on your body may be contributing factors. You may be more susceptible to having pain, difficulty with control over bladder and bowels if you have trouble hydrating, have posture that is poor, get enough sleep, strain from emotional tension or can’t sit for an elongated time, sit or lounge often, or have poor diet.

Signs of Pelvic Organ Dysfunction

Symptoms vary for many individuals and there is overlap with several organ systems.

Urinary Symptoms

Symptoms of the urinary tract such as frequent urge, burning or pain when trying to use the bathroom, incomplete bladder emptying, feeling pressure on or behind your bladder, frequent urination, or urinary urgency.

People with recurring bladder concerns need to receive testing, which includes Urinary tract infection treatment in Cape Town since infections can mimic other bladder symptoms such as PFD.

Pain Symptoms

The painful symptoms that most trouble some people are Pelvic Pain which can come in various forms such as vaginal, testicular, and prostate pain, pain behind the perineum, Pain in the lower abdomen, or bladder Pain.

The person may also experience a dull ache in the lower back and may report pain on the perineum or while sitting as it worsens when sitting for a long period, during physical activities, or when feeling an emotional impact.

Bowel Symptoms

Some symptoms involving bowel dysfunction include constipation or a sense of incompleteness while eliminating bowel movements or having painful bowel movements or frequent bowel movements.

Sexual Symptoms

Sexual symptoms  such as pain upon penetration, discomfort after ejaculation, lower desire for sex and even impotence, may lead patients to have more sexual difficulties.

When Should You Call a Urologist in Cape Town?

“It’s necessary that when patients present to our office with any symptom of Pelvic Organ Dysfunction, which can include bladder symptoms, pain or bowel symptoms, they receive comprehensive treatment to prevent any progression and potentially avoid additional problems such as kidney stones for instance, which might be brought on by severe bladder problems with PFD,” says our lead doctor and urologist in Cape Town.

“They will also ensure that if you are suffering from any form of Pelvic Floor Disorder you are also informed on Urinary tract infections and its causes, in order to be able to treat those too.”

Our urologist is well equipped to manage and treat these conditions using the latest innovative medical advancements.

How Is Pelvic Organ Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Medical History

Since many forms of pelvic disease appear similarly to those of Pelvic Organ Dysfunction, a comprehensive medical evaluation can assist with narrowing it down.

You should expect the urologist to ask such details as your pain, urinary, bowel and sexual history, previous surgeries, any illnesses you have had, and any medications you are now using.

Physical Examination

The doctor will conduct a Physical Examination. Physical Exams can reveal muscle tenderness, assess muscle coordination, and show any indications of other contributing illnesses.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on symptom details, may require such lab or study options as a Urinalysis test, Blood test, Imaging Studies (Ultrasound, Cat Scan), Cystoscope (a small viewing device that may be introduced into your urinary tract), or Urodynamic Testing to calculate pressures and the filling/emptying of the bladder.

When To Seek Urologist Care

It’s time to look for advice from the urologist in Cape Town if you:

• Are experiencing Pelvic Pain for many more than weeks.

• There is also the blood in the urine, frequent urge to urinate or frequent pains when trying to use the bathroom.

• Pain has negative effects on your day to day activity.

• Your Sexual Pain or sexual function problems exist due to Pelvic Organ dysfunction.

  
  

Conclusion

Pelvic organ dysfunction should never be ignored because it can significantly affect your quality of life and that of your loved ones. 

If you’d like for a personal evaluation, contact Urology Cape Town immediately if you wish to understand how you can better cope with this condition through an all encompassing and efficient treatment.

If the symptoms of pelvic organ dysfunction are severe, our office’s well trained professionals, which includes a urologist specialist, can offer specialized advice, assistance, along with the most successful solutions that are accessible within your insurance policy coverage.

For professional consultation, don’t put off reaching out to UrologyCapeTown, where they utilize modern medical treatments with effective methods.