I Think I Have a Weakened Pelvic Floor: Do I Need Surgery?
Nearly one-third of women experience pelvic floor disorders at some point in their life.
But only about a quarter of women struggling with pelvic floor symptoms actually see a doctor due to embarrassment or a lack of knowledge around the problem. Jon T. Ricks, MD, and his caring team in Frisco, Texas, are working to change that.
Dr. Ricks, a trusted OB/GYN and da Vinci® robotic surgery specialist, leads our team in educating and empowering our patients. For this month’s blog, we discuss how you can tell if you have pelvic floor weakness and explain the treatment options. It’s not only about undergoing pelvic surgery.
Understanding pelvic floor weakness
The pelvic floor includes the connective tissues and muscles in the lower part of your pelvis. Together, these tissues work like a sling to cradle and support your bladder, uterus, rectum, and other pelvic organs.
Factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or weight changes can weaken these muscles and cause problems such as:
- Increased urination frequency
- Urinary incontinence and leakage
- Pelvic pressure and discomfort
- Chronic constipation
- Low back pain not explained by a spinal problem
In some cases, pelvic floor weakness may progress to a more severe problem: Pelvic organ prolapse, in which one of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, descends to the vagina.
Nonsurgical solutions for pelvic floor weakness
Before considering surgery, Dr. Ricks and our team always explore nonsurgical treatments to strengthen your pelvic floor and relieve symptoms. Some effective options include:
Pelvic floor therapy
Physical therapy specifically focused on the pelvic muscles can help restore strength and improve function. A trained therapist can guide you through exercises like Kegels to target weakened areas and provide customized techniques to prevent symptom flare-ups.
Lifestyle changes
Simple changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and incorporating pelvic-strengthening exercises into your routine at home can help relieve symptoms and support long-term pelvic health.
Pessary
A pessary is a removable device placed in the vagina to support the pelvic organs. You can manage pessary insertion and removal at home, making this an attractive option if you need pelvic organ support but aren’t ready to consider surgery.
Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Ricks may also recommend other treatments, for example, some types of urinary incontinence may respond to medication.
When is pelvic floor surgery needed?
While many women find relief through nonsurgical methods, surgery may be necessary if symptoms significantly impact your daily life and other treatments haven’t helped. Overall, American women have a 13% risk of undergoing pelvic floor surgery during their lifetime.
Dr. Ricks specializes in advanced minimally invasive procedures for pelvic floor repair, including da Vinci® robotic surgery. Using this specialized approach, he restores organs and support tissues to their optimal positions and reinforces them in place to prevent future weakening or descent. The robotic-assisted approach allows for smaller incisions, less discomfort, and faster recovery times than traditional surgery.
Dr. Ricks discusses your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences with you to determine if surgery is the right choice. Surgery may provide lasting relief, especially if you have pelvic organ prolapse or severe weakening.
Help for pelvic floor weakness
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor, you don’t have to face this alone. Our empathetic team is here to help you find relief, so request an appointment online anytime or call 972-377-6800 Monday through Friday to discuss your options.