Can pelvic floor dysfunction happen to women who haven't experienced childbirth? 

Welcome to Doctor's Corner, where medical experts from Makati Medical Center will answer health questions from readers! Got a question? Send them over to lifestyle@gmanews.tv.

Can pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) happen to women who haven’t experienced childbirth?

Before I get to that, let me give you a quick explanation about the pelvic floor.

Stretching like a hammock across the base of the pelvis, from the pubic bone to the tailbone, the pelvic floor is a layer of muscles and ligaments that supports the bladder, bowels, uterus (for women), and prostate (for men). It helps control your bladder and bowels so you don’t involuntarily pee, poop, or pass gas. It keeps the spine stable and enhances sexual sensation.

To answer the question: Yes, pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can occur even if a woman has never been pregnant or has not given birth.

Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles, but so can genetics, menopause, and surgical procedures like a hysterectomy. This is why older women experience incontinence (leaking urine) when they laugh, cough, or exercise.

Persistent straining during bowel movement or chronic constipation, high-impact activities that strain the pelvic muscles, chronic stress and tension that can lead to a hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor, the natural weakening and drops in estrogen levels that come with aging, and excess body weight that put continuous pressure on your pelvic structures are non-birth related factors can contribute to PFD.

Performing Kegel exercises—that is, contracting and relaxing the muscles used to hold and release your pee—can strengthen the pelvic floor.

When does it become a serious concern that I need to see a specialist?

If, despite your regular Kegel exercises, you still experience the following:

• urinary and bowel incontinence
• have a heavy or aching sensation in your vagina that worsens as the day progresses or after you poop
• have pain in your lower back, hips, vagina, or rectum
• experience uncomfortable sexual intercourse
• see or feel a “bulge” coming out of your vagina

It's best to see your primary healthcare practitioner or gynecologist.

Your doctor may do a physical examination to test how well you can control your pelvic floor muscles, and other possible tests to determine if you have peeing or bowel movement issues.

(PFD) can normally be treated without surgery. Treatment ranges from physical therapy and medications to lifestyle modifications. There are different treatment options to address PFD in both men and women such as high intensity focused electromagnetic treatment, biofeedback or pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment. Aside from those, there are also the LED for the pelvic floor and radiofrequency treatment.

Though PFD is common, some people may find it embarrassing to discuss their symptoms, especially regarding having difficulty peeing or pooping. Don’t let that stop you from having a conversation with your doctor and getting a step closer to relief from pelvic floor dysfunction. — LA, GMA News

Jennifer Marie B. Jose, MD FPOGS FPSURPS FPSGE, specializes in Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Gynecologic Surgery and Aesthetic Gynecology at Makati Medical Center.