SPONSORED EDITORIAL
It's an embarrassing problem that affects most of us and yet many today don’t even realise that it can be fixed.

It could be urinary issues, constipation, pain in the genital areas, muscle spasms or even back pain.

Those symptoms around the pelvic area may vary but in many cases they are one of the same - pelvic floor dysfunction.

If you do fall into one of those categories then you are not alone and there is help at hand.

Millions of people across the UK suffer from this condition which is essentially the lack of ability to control the muscles in your pelvic floor.

“The problem today is that there not enough information out there to help patients realise that this is not something that they need to live with or consider their new ‘norm’,” commented aesthetic fellow plastic surgeon Dr Rohit Seth of Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic in Tunbridge Wells.

“In the recent trial I ran in our clinic assessing various treatments, none of the patients were embarrassed to talk to me about their symptoms but almost all had a sense of relief that there was potentially something that could be done about it.”

Pelvic floor dysfunction can show itself in many ways but mostly surfaces in symptoms of lack of bladder and bowel control (inconsistencies) as well as pelvic pain and vaginal prolapse - when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) become weak or loose and cause a bulge through the vaginal canal.

Although the condition can affect both genders, it is mostly common in women.

So how can somebody restore their floor and live a life free of anxiety without some of those embarrassing symptoms - many of which can have a mentally adverse impact on socialising and even relationships?

The best steps to treat pelvic floor dysfunction include:

Relaxation techniques - A physician or physical therapist may recommend relaxation techniques such as warm baths, yoga, and exercises.

Biofeedback - Done with the help of a physical therapist, this is the most common treatment for most of the symptoms and is non-painful.

Medication - A physician may prescribe a low-dose muscle relaxant to deal with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Laser Surgery - Simple laser treatment is becoming an extremely popular alternative to treat the condition.

Surgery - If your physician determines your pelvic floor dysfunction is the result of a rectal prolapse or rectocele, surgery under sedation may be necessary.

“We offer a non-surgical laser treatment procedure here Bella Vou,” continued Dr Seth.

“A 30 minute complimentary consultation and examination is undertaken by one of the doctors here to determine if this treatment is suitable. If it is, then a 10 minute laser treatment each month over three months will address these symptoms.”

When it comes to exercises, pilates has been a pioneer in raising awareness for pelvic floor and is the ideal outlet when it comes to management of the condition or even those in rehabilitation.

“Pilates is great for strengthening your pelvic floor and in particular for things like pelvis stabilisation, posture and balance, which do a lot of in our classes,” noted Pilates master trainer Sandrine Gasnier - who owns Sandrine's Pilates in Tunbridge Wells.

“To me, your pelvis is the heart of your body and it needs to be strong for your entire body to function properly. It needs to be looked after very well.”

Different stages in a woman’s life, such as pregnancy, postpartum period and menopause,

can cause changes in pelvic floor muscles so it is vitally important that they are well-maintained.

“If one group of muscles is injured or weaker, then it will cause the other groups to compensate resulting in other injuries.”

Philippa Salmon is a clinical specialist physiotherapist in women's and men's health and deals with pelvic floor dysfunction patients all the time.

“By the time ladies come to me for treatment the scales have tipped, and the embarrassment factor has been overtaken by the need to do something about their situation,” said Philippa who teaches motivational techniques, and gives support, advice and clinical know-how to patients.

“Some will come to see me when the symptoms are in their infancy and others when the situation has worsened for them.

“The point at which they find the situation unacceptable is different for everyone according to beliefs and values.”

People interested in learning more about treatments - including laser treatment - for pelvic floor dysfunction can visit www.bellavou.co.uk.