PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION
Pelvic floor dysfunction: understand your symptoms and treatment options
Pelvic floor dysfunction describes problems that can occur when the pelvic-floor muscles are not working as they should. Symptoms can involve bladder or bowel control, pelvic organ support, pelvic pain or sexual function. Learn about recognised treatment options and where our private EMS service fits.
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Clear information
Understand the condition, recognised options and the evidence.
Questions welcome
Ask about the service, suitability and what to expect.
COULD THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
Common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can present in different ways. Symptoms may involve bladder or bowel control, pelvic organ support, pelvic discomfort or sexual function, and the pattern is not the same for everyone.
Urinary symptoms
Leakage, urgency, frequency or difficulty controlling the bladder can be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Bowel symptoms
Unexpected leakage of stool or wind, or difficulty controlling the bowel, can occur with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic pressure or prolapse
A feeling of pressure, a bulge or other symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse may need assessment.
Pelvic pain or sexual symptoms
Pelvic pain or discomfort during sex can have several causes and should not automatically be attributed to weak muscles.
UNDERSTANDING PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a broad term used when the muscles and supporting structures of the pelvic floor are not working normally. Depending on the problem, symptoms can affect bladder or bowel control, pelvic organ support, pain or sexual function.
The pelvic floor needs to contract when needed and relax when appropriate. Symptoms can therefore be linked to weakness, poor coordination, difficulty relaxing or another underlying condition. Assessment matters because similar symptoms can have different causes.
Bladder symptoms
Urinary leakage, urgency, frequency or difficulty emptying the bladder can occur.
Bowel symptoms
Bowel leakage, difficulty controlling wind or problems with bowel emptying may be involved.
Support, pain or sexual symptoms
Prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain or sexual difficulties can also be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
Treatment depends on the problem
There is no single treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Management depends on the symptoms, their cause, assessment findings and individual circumstances. Pelvic floor physiotherapy and other conservative approaches are commonly considered before more invasive options.
Assessment
A GP or appropriate healthcare professional can assess symptoms, medical history and possible underlying causes before treatment is chosen.
Pelvic floor therapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy may include tailored muscle training, relaxation work, bladder or bowel strategies and other rehabilitation approaches, depending on the problem.
Other clinical options
Medication, devices or surgery may be considered for selected problems after appropriate assessment. The right option depends on the condition rather than the label pelvic floor dysfunction alone.
Discuss private EMS separately
Incontinence Direct provides a private mobile electromagnetic pelvic-floor stimulation service. Its suitability should be considered separately from established pelvic-floor care and should not be assumed from symptoms alone.
For some symptoms, treatment can include pelvic floor muscle training, bladder or bowel management, lifestyle measures, physiotherapy, devices or specialist care. The appropriate route depends on the individual problem.
IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING EMS
A straightforward process
Our consultation process is designed to explain the private EMS service, answer questions and discuss the information needed to consider suitability. It does not replace medical diagnosis or assessment.
1
Consultation
Tell us what you want to understand about the service and share any relevant information you are comfortable providing.
2
Suitability
We can explain the service and its suitability criteria. Where symptoms need medical assessment, we will recommend appropriate healthcare advice.
3
Sessions
If you choose to proceed and the service is considered appropriate, appointments can be arranged through the mobile service.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Book a consultation
Ask about pelvic floor dysfunction, the private EMS service and what information you should consider before treatment.
SUITABILITY & SAFETY
Important information
Pelvic floor dysfunction has many possible causes, and a private EMS service is not appropriate for every symptom or circumstance. Suitability depends on the individual situation and the particular intervention being considered.
If symptoms are new, unexplained, worsening or concerning, medical assessment should come before choosing a private treatment. Do not use a web page to self-diagnose the cause of pelvic floor symptoms.
Key considerations
Different symptoms need different approaches
Assessment may be needed to identify an underlying cause
Evidence for devices varies by technology and protocol
Speak to a GP or qualified healthcare professional when appropriate
Pelvic pain, unexplained bleeding, significant changes in bladder or bowel function, difficulty emptying the bladder or other concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions, answered Clear, practical answers about pelvic floor dysfunction, recognised treatment options and where private electromagnetic stimulation fits.
What are the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?
Symptoms can include urinary leakage or urgency, bowel leakage, pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain or discomfort during sex. Not everyone has the same combination of symptoms, and some symptoms can have causes unrelated to the pelvic floor. Sources: NICE NG210; RCOG pelvic floor health.
What can cause pelvic floor dysfunction?
Causes and contributing factors vary. Pelvic floor problems can be associated with pregnancy and childbirth, ageing, constipation, chronic cough, some surgery, changes in physical activity and other medical conditions. Men can also have pelvic floor dysfunction, including symptoms associated with prostate treatment or other pelvic health problems. The cause should be established rather than assumed.
What are the main pelvic floor dysfunction treatment options?
Treatment depends on the symptoms and the underlying problem. Options can include supervised pelvic floor muscle training, pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder or bowel strategies, lifestyle measures, medicines or devices, and specialist treatment or surgery in selected cases. NICE guidance on pelvic floor dysfunction emphasises assessment and non-surgical management before moving to more invasive options where appropriate. Sources: NICE NG210; RCOG.
Can pelvic floor dysfunction treatment be done at home?
Some aspects of pelvic floor management can be supported at home, such as an appropriately taught pelvic floor exercise programme or agreed lifestyle and bladder or bowel strategies. However, treatment at home is not a substitute for assessment when symptoms are unexplained, persistent or concerning. NICE recommends supervised pelvic floor muscle training for relevant symptoms in women.
When is surgery considered for pelvic floor dysfunction?
Surgery is not the default treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. It may be considered for selected structural or other problems after assessment, such as certain cases of pelvic organ prolapse. The appropriate route depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, severity and previous management. This page does not assess whether surgery is appropriate for an individual.
Where does a pelvic floor device or EMS service fit?
Pelvic floor devices cover several different technologies, and evidence for one device should not automatically be applied to another. Incontinence Direct provides a private mobile electromagnetic pelvic-floor stimulation service. Research has investigated magnetic and electromagnetic stimulation, but findings vary by intervention, population and outcome. The service should be considered separately from established pelvic floor therapy and is not a diagnosis or a guarantee of benefit.
EVIDENCE & FURTHER INFORMATION
Reliable. Evidence-informed.
We use recognised UK healthcare guidance and published research to explain pelvic floor dysfunction, established management approaches and the limits of evidence around electromagnetic stimulation. RCOG pelvic floor health and published research on extracorporeal magnetic stimulation provide additional context.
Incontinence Direct is an independent provider. Links to NHS, NICE and other sources are provided for information and do not indicate affiliation, endorsement or approval of the private service.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Talk to our pelvic health team about your circumstances
We’re here to explain the service, answer questions and help you understand what information may be relevant before considering private EMS.