What Is a Pelvic Disorder?
Pelvic disorders, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and pelvic organ prolapse, are conditions that affect the pelvis, the basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs.
Causes of pelvic disorders vary depending on the type of disease. For example, pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a woman's reproductive organs caused by bacteria either naturally occurring or from sexually transmitted infections. In cases of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction, which affect the hammock-like muscles of the pelvis, causes are most commonly:
- Advancing age
- Childbirth
- Family history
- Hysterectomy
- Obesity
Symptoms
Most pelvic disorders, whether they are due to PID or pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction, have symptoms such as:
- Frequent or painful urination — Pain while urinating and sometimes during sex occurs with PID, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Pain — In conditions such as PID, pain is in the lower abdomen and may include fever. For pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction, pain is felt in the vagina or rectum.
- Pressure — Pressure or a “heavy feeling” can accompany pain in the cases of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Treatment Options
Treatments for pelvic disorders depend upon the type of condition, as well as the severity of the disorder:
- Medication — Pelvic inflammatory disease is most often successfully treated with antibiotics.
- Physical therapy — Pelvic floor muscle exercises and techniques that relax the pelvic floor can help pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Surgery — For severe cases of PID, surgery can help pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of a pelvic disorder, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
- Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat pelvic disorder.