doctors said symptoms are still widely normalised and women often don’t seek help early (AI Image) While awareness around these problems has increased.
Because they are worried about leakage, urgency or pain, women may start avoiding exercise, long journeys, social activities or intimacy.
However, pelvic-floor dysfunction is not limited to women who have been pregnant or have given birth, nor is it synonymous with childbirth-related injury,” said Dr Rubina Shanawaz, additional director of uro-gynaecology, gynec-oncology, laparoscopic & robotic surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road. “We’re seeing more young women with pelvic-floor symptoms, with greater awareness and willingness to seek medical help. Pregnancy and childbirth are important risk factors, as they can strain the pelvic-floor muscles, nerves and connective tissues. Dr Varini N, senior consultant, obstetrics & gynaecology, Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital, added, “Weight gain or obesity, chronic constipation and straining, reduced physical activity, high-impact exercise in some individuals, chronic coughing and certain musculoskeletal or neurological conditions can also contribute. She added, “The problem with delaying assessment is that persistent symptoms can affect a lot more than physical health. In some cases, symptoms can also become more difficult to manage when the underlying problem is left unaddressed.”
Dr Prathima added, “Pelvic-floor problems can have varied causes, including endometriosis, PID, STIs and declining estrogen. In younger women, urinary urgency and frequency may also stem from UTIs rather than muscle weakness. Treatment can involve pelvic-floor retraining, core exercises, biofeedback or medical intervention, making clinical assessment important before starting exercises such as Kegels. “