What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, and how might it be associated with the symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis?
The “pelvic floor muscles” are a group of muscles that are arranged within the pelvis like a sling or hammock, connecting the front, back, and sides of the pelvis and sacrum. The main function of these muscles is to provide support to the organs of the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum. They also make up part of the urethra, rectum, and vagina. These muscles must be able to effectively coordinate contraction and relaxation to allow normal functioning of the bowel and bladder. Moreover, the ability of these muscles to relax is essential to allow for normal urination, bowel movements, and, in women, sexual intercourse. The term “Pelvic Floor Dysfunction,” or PFD, refers to these muscles when they are too relaxed or when they have too much tension. This loss of normal muscle tone can affect urinary and bowel functions, sexual function, and can cause pain. PFD may cause some or all of these symptoms: • urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, stopping and starting
