The pelvic floor muscles act as structural support to hold your bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and rectum in place within your body.
These muscles stretch from your tailbone to your pubic bone (up front), and from one hip to the other. They move up and down like a trampoline supporting your internal organs.
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when your pelvic floor muscles don’t relax and coordinate properly, leading to problems with bowel movements and urination.
Weakness or other issues with the pelvic floor can cause fecal or urinary incontinence, constipation, the need to strain to produce bowel movements, pain or pressure felt in the rectum, and muscle spasms in the pelvis. To learn more about Pelvic Floor Dysfunction click here (please link to pelvic floor dysfunction content).
Women are at increased risk for a weakened pelvic floor as a result of pregnancy and childbirth.
Constipation can be caused by a weakened pelvic floor.
If you’re concerned about pelvic floor dysfunction or chronic constipation, schedule an appointment with our office. We will comprehensively evaluate your symptoms and work together with you to identify a treatment plan that best meets your personalized needs and improves your quality of life. Often, patients will need to be evaluated by a OBGYN as well.