Pelvic Floor Dysfunction vs Pelvic Organ Dysfunction: What's the Difference?


Your pelvic health matters greatly to your everyday comfort, mobility and quality of life. It's a sensitive subject, but the majority of us suffer silently at times without the right information.

When people discuss pelvic pain and dysfunction, two commonly confused terms are that of dysfunction of the pelvic floor versus dysfunction of pelvic organs. Let's shed some light on just what the difference is between these conditions, so you know what to look for and when to seek the right type of medical attention for your body.

Understanding the differences Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Pelvic Organ Dysfunction can aid you to notice early signs and get the correct medical diagnosis for your pelvic condition.

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction implies that muscles within the pelvic floor have been weakened, become overactive, tighten too much or have become disengaged from how they should work.

These muscles of the pelvic floor act as a support for bladder, bowel and reproduction. They support internal organs. When these muscles over contract or fail to relax, they can negatively impact bladder or bowel functioning, and even bring on pelvic pain, particularly sex pain.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  • Trouble voiding the bladder

  • Difficulty emptying bowel

  • Frequently voiding the bladder and urgency (want to go all the time)

  • Difficulties passing stool

  • The need to strained to pass stool during BMs

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Pain with sexual activity

  • Lower back pain

  • Pain with bowel movements

What Is Pelvic Organ Dysfunction?

"Organ Dysfunction" implies an issue within or of a specific organ, and a broader description for this as being within the body's abdominal organs. Pelvic organ dysfunction is not confined solely to the muscles of the pelvic area.

In this type of dysfunction, there's the potential for neurological, muscular or hormonal components of various organs.

A variety of medical disorders, from constipation to overactive bladders and prolapses, make up pelvic organ dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Dysfunction

  • Persistent pelvic pain

  • Chronic bladder issues including overactive bladder

  • Pain during urination

  • Bladder retention

  • Burning sensation during urination

  • Frequent UTIs, without an actual urinary tract infection

  • Frequent urinating

  • Bowel issues including constipation or diarrhea

  • Chronic pelvic pain

  • Sex dysfunction

  • Abdominal pain or pressure in pelvis

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Vs. Pelvic Organ Dysfunction: How To Tell?

While those with pelvic floor and organ dysfunction share several symptoms, their root causes and characteristics differ greatly.

Function

The dysfunction primarily affects muscle tissue in floor cases and affects organ function itself in organ types. The dysfunction specifically impacts the supporting structures supporting bladder, bowels and organs in floor dysfunction.

However, it is likely to affect nerves and the organs themselves in the case of organ dysfunction.

Organs

The specific organs, bladder, uterus or prostate and large intestine, will be affected by organ dysfunction in a variety of manners, including overactivity of these organs and damage or abnormalities in their nerves and structure.

Patients with floor dysfunction may suffer pain in the lower abdomen or on their bottom, but as there is no organ dysfunction, the organs will not be affected nor will their internal working.

Signs, Symptoms and What to Look For

Floor Dysfunction

  • Pain associated with defecation

  • Difficulties voiding

  • The organs get squeezed and muscles contract involuntarily

  • Inability to achieve an orgasm

  • Loss of sensation due to chronic tightness

  • Orgasm can be painful due to tightening muscles

Organ Dysfunction

  • The organ is not actually functioning efficiently

  • The muscles in question might also be off like in floor dysfunction

  • The organs might not function properly as organs

Diagnosis for Pelvic Floor or Organ Dysfunction

In order for adequate treatments, appropriate and timely diagnosis can be either of conditions.

You should get a proper physical assessment.

Diagnostic methods may include:

  • Imaging technologies including MRI and CT Scan

  • Ultrasound

  • Pelvic MRIs

  • Lab based tests including urine, blood etc.

A urologist can determine the root of pelvic disorder based on results.

Are Pelvic Floor and Organ Dysfunction Simultaneous?

You might not even know but it is quite possible and more usual than one could imagine to have the two types of dysfunction at the same time. For example, chronic bladder or UTI issues can lead to tightening in pelvic muscles.

The chronic pain in lower abdomen or pain in uterus or even pain in pelvic region might not only be attributed to one cause but rather a combination of many causes.

Causes of Pelvic Floor or Organ Dysfunction

Multiple factors can affect those with symptoms including:

  • Pregnancy

  • Childbirth

  • Female surgery

  • Chronic strain (heavy lifting, strain on the body when sitting too tight as this makes pressure on it, a too tight vagina and penis that needs to have this tension eased too often)

  • Pelvic trauma

  • Chronic constipation or bowel dysfunction

  • The age in body and other lifestyle changes can cause such issues as well

Treatment for Pelvic Floor or Organ Dysfunction

Treatment options may include:

  • Physical therapy helps to strengthen muscles.

  • Lifestyle and diet modifications; to strengthen them you may not just strengthen but relax muscles in the process.

  • Pain medication.

  • More advanced treatments might include a Botox treatment or surgery that would treat the organs instead, to resolve and ease any physical stress or discomfort experienced from painful, stiff organs.

When Should I Seek Help?

If you have symptoms associated with these conditions including pain, urinary or bowel issues, the most beneficial course of action would be to consult a medical doctor.

A good place to begin may be to seek out a urologist. The medical practice for urologist is in, as u have mentioned earlier, as for your mention of this as, Chronic Pelvic Pain Cape Town, they may best address your pain and medical symptoms.

The Importance of Medical Care and Pelvic Health

At Urology Cape Town, we emphasize the importance of adequate diagnosis, appropriate treatment options and prevention of chronic pelvic issues to help you maintain optimal health for your pelvic organ.

Your comfort, mobility and quality of life depend on it.

If you're experiencing any type of discomfort or concerns related to your pelvis and need assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us to book a consultation.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

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