Reproductive health is an essential component of your overall health. The pelvic floor primarily influences your reproductive health. The pelvic floor is a system of muscles and tissues that support the uterus, urethra, rectum, and other pelvic-related organs. Certain risk factors may decrease the strength of these muscles and cause pelvic floor dysfunction. While some may attribute reproductive complications to overall body diseases, pelvic floor dysfunction is inherent to the pelvic floor. Improving your pelvic health is the primary concern at McDonough pelvic floor health center. This article imparts you with enough knowledge you need to improve your pelvic floor health and consequently prevent urinary incontinence, pelvic dysfunction, and other pelvic-related disorders.
Table of Contents
1. Pelvic Physiotherapy
The goal of pelvic physiotherapy is to improve the strength of pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic physiotherapy involves a series of exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and yoga. When your pelvic muscles are weak, they may cause incontinence by adding pressure on the gallbladder. A significant number of therapists adopt Kegel exercises as the conventional exercises for pelvic physiotherapy. However, some extreme Kegel exercises make your pelvic floor tight. The aim is to make the pelvic muscles strong, not tight. Recent innovations employ electrotherapy to stimulate your muscles via an electric pulse. Treatment modalities vary from person to person, contingent on the vigor of the muscles and the body’s ability to withstand strenuous exercises.
2. Pelvic Floor Surgery
Pelvic floor repair is distinctly divided into anterior repair and posterior repair. Anterior repair involves reinforcing the weakened layers between the bladder and the vagina. The obstetrician will make an incision along the front end of the vaginal wall. Absorbable stitches stitch up the weakened layers to restore elasticity. You may require intravenous sedation for this procedure if you have risk factors such as blood pressure. Post-surgery care involves monitoring your bladder after the doctor removes the catheter and the vaginal pack that reduces bleeding into the tissues. The only significant difference between the posterior and anterior surgery is the location of the incision. The typical recovery period is 3-6 weeks. After seven weeks, you can resume sexual intercourse and basic physical activities.
3. Dietary Changes
The proper diet prevents POP (pelvic organ prolapse). Here are food types that are beneficial to your pelvic health:
Anti-inflammatory Foods – Inflammation is a common cause of pelvic floor dysfunction. Your anti-inflammatory diet involves removing all sweeteners, eggs, and nuts. You can supplement these with other foods such as fish. However, only incorporate fish with low levels of mercury into your diet.
Foods rich in Vitamin D – Vitamin D influences skeletal muscle strength. The natural aging process compels the body to synthesize lower amounts of Vitamin. Supplementing your diet with foods rich in Vitamin D, such as salmon, significantly improves your pelvic floor strength.
Alkaline Foods – Low acid fruits and vegetables do not irritate the pelvic floor. Bananas, avocadoes, and cantaloupes are a great source of fiber and ease excretion out of your anus.
Herbal Tea – While most women use herbal teas regimens as weight loss treatments, herbal teas pack far more benefits. Additionally, caffeinated herbal tea exercises your bladder. A healthier bladder translates into good pelvic floor health.
Pelvic floor health is a delicate matter many are not willing to discuss. However, it is imperative to get a regular pelvic checkup to manage your health.