Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bowels, bladder, and reproductive organs. These muscles are vital for maintaining sexual function and wellness.
Over time, these muscles weaken because of certain factors, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Obesity
- Pelvic surgeries
- Prostate cancer treatment
As the stress on the pelvic floor muscles increases, it can cause them to lose function and grow weaker with time. This process can have a significant impact on your bladder control and sexual health.
There are several different types of incontinence.
- Stress Incontinence: Typically, intramuscular pressure (such as coughing or physical activity) against a weakened pelvic floor can cause unwanted leaks.
- Urge Incontinence: Urge incontinence is related to the nerves. This almost always relates to an underlying disease (e.g., diabetes; neurogenic bladder, heavier prostate weighing on the pelvic floor). Note: urge incontinence cannot be treated with Emsella.
- Mixed: If you feel you simply “need to go frequently,” you may have a combination of stress and urge incontinence. This can be caused by certain cancers, or another interruption of the abdominal wall or pelvic floor.
If you aren’t sure which type of incontinence you are experiencing, don’t hesitate to reach out! The team at A Beautiful You in Memphis is highly knowledgeable in these conditions and can advise you on the best course of action for treatment.