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Many people have had pelvic pain, and it can be from something as simple as PMS or constipation. But if the pain is chronic, it can effect doing common things such as having sex, using the bathroom, lifting objects, or walking. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a host of issues in the reproductive organs. It can also be a symptom of mental health issues, chronic stress, or trauma. Knowing the cause can help you find the solution to alleviate your symptoms.
Endometriosis is often associated with pelvic pain. This is most often felt during menstrual cycles and can be hard to manage. There are many home remedies that can help to ease symptoms.
The pelvic floor supports the pelvic internal organs. It is responsible for balance, sexual function, posture, movement, and elimination.
The pelvis is located above the thighs and hips and below the belly button. It includes the tailbone, sacrum, and hip bones. People who have pelvic pain may feel an ache, stabbing, or shooting sensation in this area. Sometimes it can start in another area such as the lower back or thighs and spread to the pelvic area. Because there can be many reasons for the pain, it’s hard to describe the discomfort it causes. It is often a gynecological condition, but it can also affect men and children.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can include issues with sexual dysfunction, colon problems, and urinary issues. The two most common types of pelvic floor dysfunction are low and high muscular tone. When the tone is low, or too loose, relaxed, or lax, incontinence can occur ad well as sagging of the pelvic organs, which leads to pain and organ prolapse.
When the tone is too high, or in spasm, contracted, or tight, elimination can be difficult and sexual pleasure diminishes because of painful orgasms or testicular pain for men and vulvodynia or dyspareunia for women. High tone can be a precursor to other inflammatory problems that include Crohn’s disease, IBS, chronic prostatitis, and female urethral syndrome.
Men who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction suffer from chronic tightness, mostly due tothe nature of their physical work. Increased risk of injury to the sacrum and lower back are the cause. Men are also more likely to take part in martial arts, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding, which have a high risk of these injuries.
Women suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction mostly from pregnancy and delivery. During pregnancy, hormones are produced that relax the pelvic ligaments, and carrying a child for nine months puts a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor. It can take a few months for the pelvic floor to reconstruct after delivery, but the muscles may not return to their original strength or tone. If there was damage to the area, there can be a more prolonged recovery and other therapies may be required.
Common causes can include problems with reproductive organs or non-reproductive organs, such as the bladder or colon. It can also be caused by an infection. Below are some common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction:
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Bloating and pressure in the abdomen cause pelvic pain. Contributing factors can include:
Natural constipation relief can help reduce the pain.
This digestive disorder can cause pain in the pelvic and abdominal area, aches, and cramps. Symptoms include:
Interstitial cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that can cause pain in the pelvic and abdominal area.
Kidney stones can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the thighs, pelvic area, and below the kidneys.
Pelvic floor hernias can cause pelvic pain and are more common in women. It can be caused by stresses with pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
A history of sexual trauma can cause chronic pelvic pain. Fears and strong emotions can cause prolonged symptoms. Counseling and psychotherapy may be helpful after physical causes have been ruled out.
One of the best ways to strengthen pelvic floor dysfunction is with electrical stimulation or biofeedback. A nurse, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or a physical therapist can provide this treatment. Biofeedback allows the patient to feel strong pelvic floor contractions, giving them immediate feedback and showing them where they need work. It’s a great therapy for regaining tone.
Electrical stimulation is best for those with damaged or very weak pelvic floor muscles. A variety of stimulation programs and frequencies are used to revive muscle fibers and damaged nerve. This therapy teaches the tissues to contract as they should and also helps with chronic contracted pelvic floor muscles to help them relax.
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image via: pixabay.com
One of the best ways to strengthen pelvic floor dysfunction is with electrical stimulation or biofeedback. A nurse, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or a physical therapist can provide this treatment. Biofeedback allows the patient to feel strong pelvic floor contractions, giving them immediate feedback and showing them where they need work. It’s a great therapy for regaining tone.
Electrical stimulation is best for those with damaged or very weak pelvic floor muscles. A variety of stimulation programs and frequencies are used to revive muscle fibers and damaged nerve. This therapy teaches the tissues to contract as they should and also helps with chronic contracted pelvic floor muscles to help them relax.
Heat can relax the pelvic muscles. Heating pads, hot water bottles, and warms baths are good options to try.
Naproxen and ibuprofen are great options of over-the-counter-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to try for fast relief. Take them with food to prevent ulcers and upset stomach and don’t take for more than a week at a time.
This helps the body to eliminate extra tissues. It should be used before menstrual flow; not while you are on your period. Massage it onto the abdomen. It can be blended with lavender to relax pelvic muscles. It can also be used in warm compresses.
This has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. You can make a tea of it or take capsules. The tea can be blended with ginger powder, lemon and honey, and drunk three times daily.
Avoid foods that cause inflammation and increase those that are inti-inflammatory.
Pelvic massages should be done before your menstrual cycle. If done during your period, your symptoms could get worse. Massaging the pelvic area can reduce cramping and inflammation. Use a few drops of lavender essential oil to relax muscles and massage for 10 to 15 minutes.
Ginger tea is great for relieving nausea that could come with pelvic pain. It is effective and safe and can be found in grocery stores and supermarkets. Drink 2 to 3 time daily for nausea.
Make an appointment to see a doctor if you are having abnormal or heavy periods, have pain during sex, or have pelvic pain. You will have a pelvic exam and maybe an ultrasound to come up with a treatment plan. Endometriosis can be the cause of infertility, consult with a doctor if you plan on having children to get the condition corrected. Treatments may include:
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Pelvic floor dysfunction is a painful condition that can happen to men, women, and children and can limit your daily activities. It can be caused by an infection or a problem with internal organs. Common treatment methods include NSAIDs, hormone therapy and muscle relaxants. Natural therapies include supplements, diet modification, and various types of therapies. Your best treatment plan will depend on the cause of the condition. If home therapies are ineffective, consult with your doctor for your best treat plan options.
