Pelvic floor disorders
Pelvic floor disorders can manifest themselves in different ways and can affect women of all ages – young women, adult women, women in menopause, top athletes, pregnant women and after childbirth. Common complaints can be urinary leakage, a feeling of heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen. At our experienced women's health physiotherapist in Trondheim you can get a thorough examination and treatment that will help you with your complaints.
What pelvic floor problems can you get help with?
There can be various reasons why you experience pelvic floor problems. Our experienced physiotherapist in women's health can help you with:
- Incontinence such as stress incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, anal incontinence, air incontinence and post-drip.
- Leak with activity, coughing or sneezing, or changes in position such as standing up and sitting down.
- Difficulty emptying of both bladder and bowel.
- Abdominal prolapse/prolapse: prolapse of the bladder, uterus and/or bowel, feeling of heaviness, feeling of openness or feeling that something is bulging in the lower abdomen.
- Pain during intercourse (Dyspareunia) or by, for example, using tampons or tight clothing.
- Abdominal pain: vaginismus, vulvodynia/ vestibulodynia, vulva pain (vestibulodynia/ vestibulitis).
- Examination and treatment of pain in the tailbone area.
- Treatment by anorectal dysfunction.
- Postpartum check-up.
How is a pelvic floor examination performed?
The examination will always be individual and tailored to your needs and issues. As a rule, a consultation will involve:
1. Initial conversation
The examination always starts with an initial conversation to map out your ailments, symptoms you experience, as well as your health and lifestyle background. The conversation provides a good starting point for understanding your challenges.
2. Vaginal examination
The consultation often involves a vaginal examination where the physiotherapist feels the muscles in the pelvic floor. This is done in a calm and gentle manner, and in some cases can be postponed if necessary. The purpose is to get a good picture of the strength, coordination and function of your muscles, so that you can get the treatment that is best for you.
3. Treatment plan and further follow-up
After the examination, you will receive advice and a treatment plan with exercises tailored to your needs and complaints. It may often be appropriate to have a follow-up consultation after 4-6 weeks (or as needed) to see how things are going and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
The examination is always carried out with respect for your privacy and with good information along the way. The goal is to see the whole you, and give you advice, guidance and exercises that are just right for you and your needs.
Frequently asked questions about pelvic floor examination
No, the examination is customized for you. If you do not want a vaginal examination the first time, this can be postponed until later or customized to your needs.
An initial consultation usually lasts 60 minutes to assess your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. Further follow-up appointments are 40 minutes.
Yes, many people see a women's health physiotherapist after giving birth. It is recommended that you wait until 6 weeks after giving birth. We will tailor the examination to your situation and what you are comfortable with.
Treatment may include pelvic floor exercises, guidance in voiding routines, pain-relieving measures, and follow-up tailored to your needs.
