Prevention and Management Options for Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

How can I prevent pelvic floor dysfunction?

1. Physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet

See NHS guidance for exercise during pregnancy

See NHS guidance on healthy diet during pregnancy

2. Weight loss

Being overweight or obese may increase pelvic floor dysfunction; a greater body weight results in increased abdominal pressure, which causes more downward pressure on the pelvic floor

Maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and childbirth See NHS guidance on obesity and pregnancy

3. Managing constipation

See NHS guidance on managing constipation

How can I manage pelvic floor dysfunction?

There are various tretament options for symptoms of pelvic floor dysufnction, some more suited to the individual than others. The recommended first line of treatment is supervised pelvic floor muscle exercises.

Others include:

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Exercises to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, power, relaxation, or a combination of these.

Physical Activity

Yoga, Pilates, Walking, Swimming etc.

Intravaginal Devices or Pessaries

Removeable devices desogned to support the pelvic organs and reduce leakage.

Bladder Training

A behavioural therapy involving gradually increasing the time between toilet visits, used to help individuals gain better control over their bladder function.

Other conservative treatments that have evidence of effectively strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and reducing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:

Read this research for more information, see this research.

Electrical or Magnetic Stimulation

Targeted energy to activate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve nerve signalling, and help manage dysfunctions such as incontinence and pelvic pain.

Biofeedback

Real-time feedback (visual or auditory) to help patients understand and control their pelvic floor muscle contractions, improving coordination and strength.

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises

Deep, slow breaths that engage the diaphragm that teach individuals to consciously relax and lengthen their pelvic floor muscles.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on technique which may include massage, soft tissue, nerve tissue or joint mobilisation or myofascial release.

This content is based on guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It has been summarised and rephrased for informational purposes only. For the full, official guidelines, please visit the NICE website at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng210/chapter/Recommendations#preventing-pelvic-floor-dysfunction