Pelvic Floor Out-Patient Consultation

During the Pelvic Floor Consultation, the condition is evaluated, diagnosed and pathology related to the muscles of the pelvic region are treated. These muscles are essential for the correct functioning of the organs of the lower abdominal region, namely the reproductive and excretory organs.

What is the pelvic floor?

It consists of a set of muscles and ligaments that support the organs of the lower abdominal region, which includes the excretory system and the reproductive system, such as the bladder, urethra and intestines. In women, they also include the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Factors that weaken the pelvic muscles 

There are multiple factors that cause alterations and contribute to the weakening of the pelvic floor. Examples are:

• Constipation;
• Multiple or complicated deliveries;
• Chronic respiratory diseases;
• Smoking;
• Connective tissue alterations;
• Obesity;
• Increased pelvic pressure caused by prolonged physical exertion;
• Pelvic surgery (such as surgery of the uterus in women);
• Metabolic diseases (such as diabetes);
• Diseases of the nervous system;
• Ageing.

What are the possible symptoms? 

Weakening of pelvic structures can cause symptoms that alter the quality of life, such as: 

• Urinary disorders: incontinence, loss of urine, or difficulty urinating:
• Prolapse of pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and rectum);
• Alterations of genital organs function, causing sexual dysfunctions;
• Rectum and anus dysfunction which then results in obstruction of stools or faecal incontinence.