Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) refers to conditions which involve the pelvic floor muscles (muscles which surround the vagina and rectum) when they do not function “normally.” This may be seen as laxity and low tone in the muscles and surrounding tissues or spasms and increased tone in the muscles. The pelvic floor is composed of the musculature and pelvis. The function of these muscles is to support the viscera (organs) in the area, provide sphincter control (helping maintain continence) and improve sexual activity.  Symptoms of PFD may include pelvic pain, genital pain, urinary and/or bowel dysfunction and sexual dysfunction.  Patients may complain of dyspareunia (painful intercourse), painful sitting, low back pain, incontinence and/or prolapse. Patients are also commonly (but not limited to) referred during pregnancy or postpartum, post Hysterectomy or post Prostatectomy.  Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can affect women and men of all ages.