Pelvic Floor Disorders
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the rectum and anus.
Disorders affecting the pelvic floor can disrupt normal bowel movements and contribute to constipation, faecal incontinence, rectal prolapse and incomplete evacuation.
Importantly, these symptoms can mask more sinister bowel conditions such as bowel cancer. It is essential to have any new symptoms properly assessed.
Managing pelvic floor disorders often involves a multimodal approach, including lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback training, dietary changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions.
Obstructive defecation
Obstructive defecation refers to difficulty passing stools due to mechanical or functional blockages in the rectum or anus. Common causes include pelvic floor dysfunction, rectal prolapse, rectocele (bulging of the rectum into the vagina), rectal intussusception (telescoping of the rectum into itself), or anorectal malformations.
Symptoms may include straining during bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, pelvic pressure or discomfort, and difficulty passing stools.
Incontinence
Incontinence of stool or flatus is the inability to control bowel movements (leading to involuntary leakage of stool) or gas. It can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and may result from pelvic floor dysfunction, nerve damage, childbirth, radiation, or prior pelvic or rectal surgery.
Personalised Treatment for Pelvic Floor Disorders in Brisbane
Dr. Vasant Rajan offers a comprehensive approach to managing pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse and faecal incontinence. With a combination of physical therapy, dietary changes, and surgical interventions, we provide patients from Brisbane and surrounding areas with personalised care plans. Book a consultation today to start your journey to recovery.
