UH specialists help Women With a common, yet often misunderstood, condition Women who are diagnosed with pelvic floor disorder often have the same reaction: “I have never even heard of this condition.”

Ironically, pelvic floor disorder is extremely common, affecting nearly a quarter of all American women, according to a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Some women suffer with pain from pelvic floor disorder for years, searching for relief from their symptoms.

“Pain and the female anatomy are often misunderstood,” explains Sangeeta Mahajan, MD, head of the Division of Urogynecology at University Hospitals (UH). “If other medical conditions, such as bladder infections, have been ruled out, about 90 percent of pelvic pain originates in the musculoskeletal structure of the pelvic floor.”

Pelvic floor disorder results from a variety of causes that weaken or injure the pelvic muscles and connective tissue, including childbirth, scar tissue from previous pelvic surgery, radiation treatments, stress or trauma.

Some women undergo hysterectomies or other surgeries to address their pelvic pain, but Dr. Mahajan and her team at UH are one of the few hospitals in the country to offer innovative physical therapy treatments designed to alleviate symptoms and restore function.

“Women are relieved to find an explanation for their pain, and the vast majority experience marked improvement in their symptoms after physical therapy treatment,” says Susan Carpenter, PT, senior physical therapist at UH Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Department.

Each patient undergoes a complete physical by Dr. Mahajan and a detailed medical history to help pinpoint the origin of her symptoms.

“The body is so complex that two women with similar symptoms may have very different body mechanics, therefore the treatment has to be individualized for each patient,” explains Beth Reno, DPT, ATC, senior physical therapist at UH Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Department.

In addition to traditional physical therapy, pelvic floor interventions at UH include a variety of cutting-edge therapies, from biofeedback to breathing and relaxation strategies. “We network with specialists from around the country to learn about the latest treatments because we do not want women to suffer,” says Dr. Mahajan.

Patients with pelvic floor disorder report that diagnosis and treatment tremendously improves their quality of life, enabling them to feel in control of their bodies in a strong, positive manner. And that is precisely why Dr. Mahajan and her team are on the forefront of treatment for the remarkably
pervasive yet little-understood condition.

“We are raising awareness so women know that pelvic floor disorder is a treatable condition,” says Dr. Mahajan. “The bottom line is that women do not have to live with pelvic pain.”