By Jocelyn Craig, M.D., urogynecologist, Center for Women’s Pelvic Health, Long Beach Memorial  |  Women of all ages can suffer from pelvic floor conditions that affect bowel and bladder function, female reproductive organs and the muscles of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor can be weakened by a combination of factors, such as childbirth, heavy lifting, the effects of menopause and aging, and other chronic medical and neurologic conditions. For some women, a family history of pelvic floor issues increases the risk of developing a future pelvic floor condition.

Pelvic floor disorders significantly compromise the quality of women’s lives, which may result in depression, social isolation and avoidance of physical and sexual activity due to discomfort and embarrassment. Women often suffer in silence because they are unaware that many of these conditions can be treated.

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is the frequent need to urinate along with a feeling that the urge to urinate cannot be delayed. Women with overactive bladder may wake up at night multiple times to urinate. Overactive bladder can lead to urinary incontinence.

Even though overactive bladder is common in older adults, it is not part of the aging process. If your symptoms put a strain on your everyday life, reach out to your doctor to see what treatment options are available.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Common symptoms include a leakage of urine while coughing, sneezing, laughing or with physical activity. Women also may experience leakage with a strong urge to urinate while trying to reach the restroom. Some women experience occasional leakage while others wet their clothing on a daily basis. If bladder control affects your daily life, call your doctor to see how you can re-gain control.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is when the connective tissue supporting the walls of the vagina and the pelvic organs weakens. This weakening can cause the pelvic organs to “drop” out of place.

Common symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the vaginal opening as if something is “falling out” of your vagina.

Some women may not feel any symptoms. Other women feel a lot of discomfort and need to seek medical attention.

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is losing control of bowel movements. The severity can range from leakage when passing gas or complete loss of control.

Some adults can experience this occasionally, but others experience it daily. If you can’t control bowel movements or cannot make it to the restroom in time, it is important to share this information with your doctor help determine a treatment plan.

Pelvic Health Conditions are Treatable

Any woman challenged with a pelvic health condition knows that these issues can easily affect quality of life. What many women may not know is that these issues are treatable. New therapies, medications and minimally invasive procedures offer hope to women currently coping with their pelvic health issues alone. 

The Center for Women’s Pelvic Health at Long Beach Memorial offers patients a comprehensive blend of community and hospital-based programs to bring relief for the these conditions.