Pelvic Floor Problems: Sex, Bladder and Bowel

Pelvic Floor Problems

Pelvic Floor Problems can involve sex, bladder and bowel issues. The muscles of the pelvic floor work in correlation to all these issues. Specialized physical therapy for the pelvic floor can help with sexual dysfunction such as painful intercourse, orgasm, erection, ejaculation. Pelvic Floor issues also relate to bladder or bowel incontinence, problems that may have stemmed from Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s/Colitis, or from birthing.

Elaine’s special guest is Dr. Meghan Markowski, who is a Clinical Specialist in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. (see full Episode below).

We discuss exactly what the pelvic floor is and its role in both function and dysfunction related to bladder, bowel and sexual concerns in all genders. This is an indepth discussion with a ton of information for everybody.

Role of the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is the base for many organs, consisting of the boney pelvis and muscular support. Both genders have this anatomy. It is important in postural support and it is also the base for many internal organs. Just like the rest of the structural body, the pelvic floor can also run into problems.   Muscular imbalances can occur as in every other part of the body. But since it’s internal its harder to see.

The pelvic floor muscles work with helping to open and close the bladder for urinary release and the anus for bowel release as well as for sex and birthing.

Physical Therapy for the Pelvic Floor

Physical Therapy for the Pelvic Floor is a specialized field of PT that has additional training. It is not something that a regular PT is qualified to do.

PT for the Pelvic Floor will require an evaluation including internal exam when possible and then a course of specific exercises. During the consultation the PT asks about your history and the problems that you are having.

Sexual Issues and Pelvic Floor

Sexual issues for all genders can be greatly helped with PT for the Pelvic Floor. Problems that people experience include painful intercourse, pelvic pain, orgasm, low libibo, incontinence during sex, muscle tension, issues with erection and ejaculation. All of these can be helped with by a trained PT for pelvic floor.

IBD/Bowel and Pelvic Floor

People with IBD may have increased problems from years of clenching while trying to make it to the bathroom, or from constant diarrhea. Or from having fissures, fistulas, rectal prolapse. The muscles most likely are over used and are in a state of contraction.  PT can help restore balance and can also be helpful even if you have an ostomy.

Bladder and Pelvic Floor

Issues such as bladder incontinence can be helped with PT for the pelvic floor. Muscles need to retrained and also evaluation what may be bad habits and learning new ways of doing things.

Get help

Physical Therapy for the Pelvic Floor is a topic that many people don’t even know exists and can be shy in talking about. This show brings to light this really important and impactful area of physical therapy which can be a game-changer for so many people.

About Meghan Markowski

Throughout the year, Meghan gives numerous lectures and continuing medical education regarding women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy to the medical community, including Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education, graduate physical therapy programs, and to the public. With 20 years of experience under her belt, pun intended, this is a must watch!

Free Guides

Other Resources

The United Ostomy Association of America UOAA ostomy.org

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation