Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor do not relax, contract, or coordinate normally. These muscles help support bowel control, bladder control, pelvic support, and normal bowel movements.

When the pelvic floor is weak, tight, poorly coordinated, or difficult to control, patients may experience symptoms such as constipation, incomplete emptying, bowel leakage, urgency, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bladder control.

Dr. Aisha Akhtar, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Fountain Hills, evaluates and treats pelvic floor-related bowel symptoms, anorectal conditions, and related colorectal concerns.

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles support the rectum, bladder, and pelvic organs. They also help coordinate bowel movements and maintain bowel and bladder control.

Pelvic floor dysfunction means these muscles are not working together properly. Some patients have pelvic floor weakness. Others have muscles that are too tight or do not relax when they should. In many cases, symptoms are related to poor coordination rather than a single muscle problem.

Because pelvic floor symptoms can overlap with colorectal, gynecologic, urologic, and neurologic conditions, a careful evaluation is important before starting treatment.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause different symptoms depending on whether the muscles are weak, tight, or poorly coordinated.

Symptoms may include:

• Constipation
• Straining with bowel movements
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Difficulty emptying stool
• Bowel leakage or urgency
• Difficulty controlling gas or stool
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness
• Rectal pressure or discomfort
• Bladder control concerns
• Symptoms that worsen after pregnancy, childbirth, pelvic surgery, or aging

Some patients have more than one symptom. For example, a patient may have constipation and urgency, or incomplete evacuation and leakage.

Learn more:

• Bladder Control
• Bowel Control
• Emsella Chair Pelvic Floor Therapy

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop for several reasons. In some patients, there is more than one contributing factor.

Common contributing factors include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Aging-related pelvic floor changes
• Chronic constipation or repeated straining
• Pelvic or anorectal surgery
• Nerve or muscle injury
• Chronic coughing or heavy lifting
• Obesity or increased pressure on the pelvic floor
• Prior trauma or pelvic injury
• Neurologic conditions in some patients
• Difficulty identifying or coordinating pelvic floor muscles

Sometimes symptoms develop gradually and patients may not recognize them as pelvic floor-related until they begin to affect daily life.

Types of Pelvic Floor Problems

Pelvic floor dysfunction can involve weakness, poor relaxation, or poor coordination.

Pelvic Floor Weakness

Pelvic floor weakness occurs when the muscles do not provide enough support or control. This may contribute to bowel leakage, urgency, bladder control concerns, or reduced pelvic support.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty controlling stool or gas
• Bowel urgency
• Bladder control concerns
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness
• Reduced confidence with daily activities

Pelvic Floor Tightness or Poor Relaxation

Some patients have pelvic floor muscles that are tight or do not relax normally during bowel movements. This can make it difficult to pass stool even when the stool is soft.

Symptoms may include:

• Straining
• Incomplete evacuation
• Rectal pressure
• Constipation that does not improve with laxatives alone
• A feeling of blockage during bowel movements

Pelvic Floor Incoordination

Incoordination means the pelvic floor muscles are not contracting and relaxing in the right sequence. This can interfere with normal bowel emptying and control.

Patients may feel that they are doing everything correctly but still cannot empty well or maintain control reliably.

Pelvic Floor Weakness vs Poor Relaxation

Some patients have features of both. This is why treatment should be based on symptoms, examination findings, and the suspected underlying cause.

How Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a careful discussion of your symptoms, bowel habits, medical history, childbirth history, prior surgery, medications, and treatment goals.

Evaluation may include:

• Medical history review
• Review of bowel and bladder symptoms
• Physical examination
• Anorectal examination when appropriate
• Assessment for hemorrhoids, fissures, prolapse, or other anorectal conditions
• Additional testing if symptoms suggest another diagnosis

Further testing may be recommended in selected patients, especially when symptoms are persistent, complex, or not responding to initial treatment.

These evaluations help distinguish pelvic floor dysfunction from:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissure
• Rectal prolapse
• Constipation from other causes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Neurologic or medication-related bowel problems
• Other causes of bowel leakage or rectal bleeding

Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Treatment depends on the type of pelvic floor problem, symptom severity, and underlying cause. Many patients benefit from a combination of approaches.

Bowel Habit and Lifestyle Treatment

Initial treatment may focus on improving bowel habits and reducing strain on the pelvic floor.

This may include:

• Optimizing fiber intake
• Drinking adequate fluids
• Avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet
• Reducing repeated straining
• Treating constipation or diarrhea
• Reviewing medications that may affect bowel function
• Establishing a consistent bowel routine

These measures can be especially helpful when constipation, loose stools, or irregular bowel habits are contributing to symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy may help patients learn how to identify, strengthen, relax, and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles.

Therapy may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle training
• Relaxation and coordination exercises
• Biofeedback in selected patients
• Bowel emptying techniques
• Education about posture, breathing, and toileting mechanics

Pelvic floor physical therapy is often an important treatment option, especially when symptoms involve poor coordination or difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor.

Emsella Chair Therapy

For selected patients with pelvic floor weakness, Emsella Chair therapy may be considered as a non-invasive treatment option to help stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

During Emsella Chair therapy, patients sit fully clothed while the chair uses electromagnetic stimulation to activate pelvic floor muscle contractions.

Emsella may be considered when pelvic floor strengthening is appropriate, but it is not the right treatment for every patient. A medical evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are due to pelvic floor weakness, poor relaxation, another anorectal condition, or a different underlying cause.

Learn more:

• Emsella Chair Pelvic Floor Therapy

Medical or Procedural Treatment

Some patients need treatment for related colorectal or anorectal conditions that may be contributing to symptoms.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Constipation management
• Diarrhea or urgency management
• Treatment of hemorrhoids or anal fissure
• Evaluation for rectal prolapse
• Medication review and adjustment
• Additional colorectal testing or procedures when indicated

The goal is to treat the underlying cause rather than only the symptom.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Bowel leakage or difficulty controlling stool
• New or worsening bladder control problems
• Persistent constipation
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Recurrent straining despite stool softening
• Rectal bleeding
• Anal pain, swelling, or drainage
• Pelvic pressure or a bulge sensation
• Symptoms after childbirth or pelvic surgery that do not improve
• Symptoms that affect daily activities or quality of life

Rectal bleeding, bowel control changes, and persistent pelvic floor symptoms should be evaluated so that the correct diagnosis is not missed.

Questions About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

What does the pelvic floor do?

The pelvic floor supports the bladder, rectum, and pelvic organs. It also helps with bowel control, bladder control, and coordination during bowel movements.

Is pelvic floor dysfunction only a women’s health problem?

No. Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in women, especially after pregnancy or childbirth, but it can also affect men. Symptoms can involve bowel control, bladder control, constipation, pelvic pressure, or difficulty emptying.

Can pelvic floor dysfunction cause constipation?

Yes. If the pelvic floor muscles do not relax or coordinate properly during a bowel movement, stool may be difficult to pass even when it is not hard. This can lead to straining, incomplete evacuation, and a feeling of blockage.

Can pelvic floor dysfunction cause bowel leakage?

Yes. Pelvic floor weakness or poor muscle control can contribute to bowel leakage, urgency, or difficulty controlling gas or stool. Other causes should also be considered, which is why evaluation is important.

Is Emsella Chair therapy used for pelvic floor dysfunction?

Emsella Chair therapy may be considered for selected patients who need pelvic floor muscle strengthening. It is not appropriate for every type of pelvic floor dysfunction, especially when symptoms are mainly due to tightness or poor relaxation. Dr. Akhtar’s office can help determine whether Emsella is appropriate after evaluation.

Why Choose Dr. Aisha Akhtar?

Dr. Aisha Akhtar is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon who provides specialized care for anorectal, colorectal, and pelvic floor-related concerns.

Patients often seek care for symptoms that are personal and difficult to discuss, including bowel leakage, constipation, rectal pressure, and pelvic floor concerns. Dr. Akhtar’s office provides a respectful, private, and medically focused setting for evaluation and treatment.

Dr. Akhtar serves patients from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Glendale, and nearby Arizona communities.

Schedule a Pelvic Floor Consultation

If pelvic floor symptoms are affecting your comfort, confidence, or daily routine, a medical evaluation can help identify the cause and guide the right treatment plan.

Call 602-932-5660 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aisha Akhtar.

Related Conditions and Treatments

You may also want to review:

• Emsella Chair Pelvic Floor Therapy
• Bladder Control
• Bowel Control
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal Fissure
• Female Proctologist in Phoenix
• Colorectal Surgeon in Phoenix