Although not discussed as frequently as some other postpartum symptoms, pelvic floor disorders are among the most common conditions that can affect new moms.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that help support your pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum and uterus. These muscles also help stabilize your spine and play a role in continence (the ability to hold in pee and poop), as well as sexual arousal and orgasm.[1]
Regardless of how you deliver your baby, pregnancy and childbirth can be taxing on the pelvic floor. After birth, it's not uncommon to experience symptoms of a pelvic floor issue, such as leaking urine, feeling pressure or a bulge in the vagina, or pelvic pain. These symptoms are sometimes caused by pelvic floor dysfunction, or PFD.
Though PFD can be distressing, the good news is it is treatable. Read on for more about this condition, including how to get the help you need.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) occurs when the muscles of your pelvic floor aren't working as they should. This might mean they are too tight, too weak, or poorly coordinating with each other or other important muscles in your body.[2]
An estimated 24 percent of women in the United States are affected by pelvic floor dysfunction, and pelvic floor issues often first appear during and after pregnancy and childbirth: Up to 50 percent of childbearing women have some signs of PFD.[3]
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?
During pregnancy and childbirth, your pelvic floor muscles go through a lot. For women, childbearing can contribute to PFD. But the condition is complex, and there are likely other contributing factors, which can include:[4]
Read This Next
- Chronic constipation or holding in urine
- Lower back injury or surgery
- Other conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis and IBS
- Obesity
- Aging and menopause
What are the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth?
If you have PFD, you might experience symptoms such as:
- Pelvic pain, including muscle spasms
- Painful sex, during or after intercourse
- Pelvic organ prolapse, when the pelvic organs descend from their normal positions (this may feel like heaviness or bulging in the vagina)
- Leaking urine when you sneeze, cough or jump
- Difficulty fully emptying your bladder or feeling like you have to pee all the time
- Constipation
- Perineum pain
Some women may only notice one symptom, while others experience more than one.
How is pelvic floor dysfunction diagnosed?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is diagnosed with a physical exam and thorough assessment of your symptoms. You can discuss any pelvic floor symptoms with your OB/GYN or another health care provider.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can involve gynecological symptoms as well as urinary and/or rectal symptoms, so you may be referred to other specialists, such as a urogynecologist, urologist or pelvic floor physical therapist. Depending on what you’re experiencing, other tests may be ordered, such as those that test the function of the bladder or bowel.[5]
How is pelvic floor dysfunction treated?
Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction depends on your specific symptoms. Your practitioner might recommend any of the following:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy. For many postpartum moms, pelvic floor physical therapy can be very helpful for re-training the muscles following the stresses of pregnancy and childbirth. Pelvic floor physical therapy has shown to improve multiple types of pelvic floor dysfunction, and since it's conservative, non-invasive and often covered by insurance, it's a good idea for this to be your first treatment.[6]
- Biofeedback. With this non-invasive therapy, sensors are used to help you better isolate and coordinate the contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor.
- Medication. Certain medications, such as those that help with pain or bladder issues, may be prescribed depending on the symptoms you're experiencing.
In more serious cases, surgery to repair injuries or prolapse may be recommended.
If you’re dealing with pelvic floor symptoms after giving birth, it's important to know that you’re not alone. Talk to your doctor about physical therapy or other treatments that may help.
Yes 
No 
Trending On What to Expect
