Urinary Dysfunction

One of the most important functions of the pelvic floor involves control of the bladder and bowel. The pelvic floor musculature helps keep us continent and provides us feedback about when it’s time to go to the restroom. Urinary incontinence is common, affecting around 25% of the population. Despite its prevalence it is never normal to leak urine. Many women believe that urinary incontinence, or unintended leaking of urine, is a normal outcome of bearing children. It’s often thought that incontinence is an ordinary part of aging. It is not normal, and it’s not something that you have to live with.  Leaking urine is always a sign of some kind of dysfunction in the pelvic floor, the bladder, or beyond.  Other signs of bladder dysfunction include: emptying the bladder more than eight times per day, getting up to use the bathroom more than once per night, a slow or fast stream, trouble emptying the bladder- straining, pushing, having to or having to try multiple times. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult first with a Urogynecologist or Urologist to rule out serious problems.  After this, specialized Physical Therapy for the pelvic floor can help to establish good bladder habits and correct any muscular problems that might lead to bladder dysfunction.