How are pelvic floor disorders diagnosed?

Top Doctors recently had the pleasure to chat to highly regarded consultant urogynaecologist, Dr Aneta Obloza, who, here in our latest article, outlines the main symptoms of pelvic floor disorder, and tells us how pelvic floor disorders are typically diagnosed.

What is the difference between urogynaecology and gynaecology?

Gynaecology is a broad term for a specialist who treats women's health problems related to early pregnancy, periods, infertility, cancers, or menopause, whereas urogynaecology deals with pelvic flood problems in a more specialised way, as it requires a more specialised knowledge.

What are common pelvic floor disorders that a urogynaecologist can treat?

Urogynaecologists specialise in pelvic floor problems such as urinary or bowel incontinence, prolapse of vaginal walls or the womb, recurrent cystitis, or problems with emptying the bladder. Urogynaecologists understand the interplay between three systems occupying the pelvic floor i.e. the bladder, the womb, and the bowels. These may cause problems separately or in combination.

What are the main symptoms of pelvic floor disorder?

The symptoms relating to the pelvic floor disorders depend on which organ is affected. These can exist on their own or in combination with other symptoms. The bladder symptoms often include urinary incontinence when laughing or coughing, urinary urgency and/or urge incontinence, bothersome night time toilet visits, difficulties in emptying the bladder, and urinary tract infections.

The prolapse of the vaginal walls and/or the wombs often presents itself as a dragging and pulling down sensation, feeling a soft lump down below, rubbing, and/or vaginal discomfort. Bowel symptoms often include difficulty in emptying the bowels completely, straining, digitising, urgency to pass the motion and/or gas, and even leakage.

How are pelvic floor disorders diagnosed?

The diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders begins with a careful outline of your symptoms, followed by a detailed examination of the vagina, perineum, and the rectum (end of the bowels). Additional tests may be required such as a pelvic scan or MRI, urodynamics or cystoscopy.

Can pelvic floor disorders be treated?

Early stages of prolapsed vaginal walls and/or the womb and urinary incontinence can be successfully managed with supervised pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. More advanced prolapse can be managed with vaginal pessaries and corrective surgery. More severe urinary incontinence symptoms can be managed with tablets, injections, or an operation.

How can pelvic floor disorders be prevented?

Problems with the bladder and prolapsed vaginal walls are more common that we give them credit for. One in four women will experience some symptoms stemming directly from pelvic floor problems. Preventative measures include maintaining normal weight, avoidance of unduly heavy lifting and constipation, and performing pelvic floor exercises.

To book an appointment with Dr Aneta Obloza, head on over to her Top Doctors profile today to do exactly that.