Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles supporting the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs.
These muscles need to contract when necessary but also relax fully. Pelvic-floor dysfunction can occur when the muscles become weak, poorly coordinated or excessively tight.
A particularly important pattern in chronic pelvic pain is an overactive or tense pelvic floor. Constant muscular tension can contribute to pain, urinary urgency, difficulty emptying the bladder, pain during sex and discomfort in the pelvis.
How Chinese herbal medicine can help
Chinese herbal medicine can look at the pelvic-floor problem as part of a larger pattern involving circulation, muscular tension, pain sensitivity, digestion, stress and the nervous system.
Treatment can aim to reduce tension and pain, improve circulation and help the body move towards a more balanced state.
Pelvic-floor physiotherapy can also be an important part of treatment, particularly where the muscles are excessively tight or poorly coordinated.