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Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is very common
But most people either dont know that they have a problem, or dont know that there is something that can be done to fix the problem
A great way to know if your problems are stemming from your pelvic floor is to have your pelvic floor muscles assessed but a Physiotherapist who has had additional training in pelvic health.
A helpful screening tool was developed in America to screen for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. If you score 3 or higher on the screen it is highly likely you have pelvic floor dysfunction and would benefit from a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment.
This tool is for both males and females
COZEAN PELVIC DYSFUNCTION SCREENING PROTOCOL
INSTRUCTIONS- CHECK ALL THAT APPLY
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〇 I sometimes have pelvic pain (in genitals, perineum, pubic or bladder area, or pain with urination) that exceeds a ‘3’ on a 1-10 pain scale, with 10 being the worst pain imaginable
〇 I can remember falling onto my tailbone, lower back, or buttocks (even in childhood)
〇 I sometimes experience one or more of the following urinary symptoms
Accidental loss of urine
Feeling unable to completely empty my bladder
Having to void within a few minutes of a previous void
Pain or burning with urination
Difficulty starting or frequent stopping/starting of urine stream
〇 I often or occasionally have to get up to urinate two or more times at night
〇 I sometimes have a feeling of increased pelvic pressure or the sensation of my pelvic organs slipping down or falling out
〇 I have a history of pain in my low back, hip, groin, or tailbone or have had sciatica
〇 I sometimes experience one or more of the following bowel symptoms
Loss of bowel control
Feeling unable to completely empty my bowels
Straining or pain with a bowel movement
Difficulty initiating a bowel movement
〇 I sometimes experience pain or discomfort with sexual activity or intercourse
〇 Sexual activity increases one or more of my other symptoms
〇 Prolonged sitting increases my symptoms
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IF YOU CHECKED 3 OR MORE CIRCLES, PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION IS LIKELY.
YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM AN ASSESSMENT FROM A PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST.
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Disclaimer:
This blog is informative in nature, and not meant as direct medical advice to you. Please ensure to see an appropriate medical practitioner and be appropriately advised on any medical conditions you may present with.
Authored by: Mandy Röscher
Mandy is one of the Pelvic Health Physiotherapists working at Brisbane Pelvic Physiotherapy. She has over 14 years of experience as a Physiotherapist and is passionate about all things pelvic health.