How to Know If You Have Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
Are you wondering whether you have weak pelvic floor muscles?
Knowing whether or not your pelvic muscles are weak means knowing what symptoms to look for. And if you determine that weak pelvic muscles are causing your tension and discomfort, the good news is that you can find solutions to help the problem.
Read on to learn the signs of weak pelvic floor muscles.
Difficult Bowel Movements Are a Sign
Is going to the bathroom becoming a problem for you?
When it comes to weak pelvic floor muscle symptoms, difficulty using the bathroom is one of the clearest signs. Trips to the bathroom should be a breeze, but if they’re not, you might need to seek out a solution with your doctor.
Your pelvic floor muscles rest beneath the bladder and rectum. For men, the pelvic region also includes the prostrate, while for women it also includes the uterus. These muscles help provide a framework and sense of support for the organs above them.
But when the pelvic floor muscles fail to relax at the right times, this leads to tension with processes like bowel movements. If what should be a quick trip to the bathroom is not so quick — or even painful — talk to your doctor.
Urinary Incontinence Can Be a Problem
The opposite problem of having pelvic floor muscles that are too tense is having muscles that won’t provide control when you need it. If you’re not able to control when you have a bowel movement, this could be a sign of weak pelvic floor muscles, too. And if you can’t make it to the bathroom on time, get help for this problem.
And issues with controlling bowel movements aren’t always big. Leaking even a little urine between bowel movements is another indication that your pelvic floor muscles need some attention.
The good news is that there is incontinence treatment available to help you regain control. Incontinence can be an embarrassing experience, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Find the right treatment so you can avoid feeling tethered to the bathroom.
Feeling Pain May Indicate Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
When your muscles are tight in the pelvic area, this contributes to a feeling of pain in your pelvic region. If you feel like your pelvic area is tied up in knots or uncomfortable throughout the day, your pelvic muscles may be to blame. And if this pain continues even when you’re not ready for a bowel movement, there’s a good chance that your pelvic floor muscles are a factor.
When in doubt, consult with a medical professional to make sure that the pain is not a sign of something else that could be more serious. A good doctor will be able to guide you toward medication or exercises to help relieve the tension.
You May Deal with Constipation
No one likes dealing with constipation when they’re at work or hosting game night on the weekend. But if this occasional problem becomes a fixture in your life, it’s time to investigate the cause.
There’s a chance that your pelvic floor muscles are the culprit. Your pelvic muscles may need help relaxing so you can have an effective bowel movement — and a regular one.
Noticing that you’re feeling gassy more frequently is another sign that your pelvic muscles may be weaker. If you’re not able to control the urge to pass wind, you can blame your muscles for the uncontrollable urge.
Passing gas in public settings is an embarrassing problem, and if left untreated, it can be one that keeps you from socializing with the ones you love. Don’t let constipation take hold of your life.
Tampons May Not Stay in Place for Women
Women can experience a different set of issues related to their pelvic floor muscles. Dealing with tampons that won’t stay in place may indicate that your muscles need strengthening. Similarly, women can face the issue of weak pelvic floor muscles after going through childbirth, which tests the strength of pelvic muscles.
In both cases, there are solutions. And since one in three women can have pelvic floor problems, you’re not alone if you’re experiencing problems. While it’s easy to hope an issue controlling your pelvic floor muscles will just go away, take matters into your own hands and tell your doctor so you can get the help you need.
You May Not Enjoy Intercourse as Much
Since pelvic muscles play an important part in intercourse, the level of sensation you experience can drop if those muscles are in a weakened state. If you’re not enjoying intercourse as much as you have in the past, your pelvic muscles may not be doing their part to stimulate you.
Your muscles also may be having difficulty relaxing. Instead, they may be tensing up and causing you to feel pain. Talk to a medical professional to find out if weak pelvic floor muscles are behind your challenges with your partner. They’ll be able to help treat the problem so intercourse can become an enjoyable part of your life again.
Know the Signs of Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
Weak pelvic floor muscles can make your daily experiences challenging, so it’s critical to know what to look for — and tackle the problem before it gets out of hand. With the help of a medical professional and some lifestyle adjustments, you can push back against the symptoms. You’ll enjoy your time around others so much more!
When you’re ready to take more steps toward a better life, check back with us for another round of informative articles.