The pelvic floor needs to relax and contract in a coordinated fashion for a person to be able to have normal stool elimination.  If for some reason the person is unable to control these muscles, he or she is said to have pelvic floor dysfunction.  Persons, both men and women who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction can have constipation, straining and pain with bowel movements, pain in lower back, pelvic and genitals or rectum, pelvic muscle spasms, frequent urination and painful intercourse for women.

A women’s health physiotherapist can help a person with pelvic floor dysfunction with advice on behavioural changes during defecation.  Other exercises such as yoga and relaxation are also beneficial.  Biofeedback can help a person learn how to relax and coordinate the movement of the pelvic floor muscles.  Physical therapy is most of the time accompanied by low doses of medicine use.

– carolyn@willingness.com.mt