A woman’s pelvic floor is a complex assembly of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina and bladder functions. The pelvic floor can suffer structural alterations or damage due to childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic diseases or surgery. Some signs and symptoms are given below to help women recognize different urogynaecological conditions:
Women may leak urine or faeces due to loss of bladder or bowel control. Leaking may occur due to urgency, sneeze, cough, laugh or no apparent reason. Leaks are easily recognizable.
The uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum can descend due to a variety of reasons and women may feel a bulge or pressure, a feeling of something coming down or a lump in their genital area.
Women may experience difficulties such as incomplete emptying, poor stream of flow and straining to pass urine etc. These symptoms are not normal and women can recognize them when they occur.
Women may experience pain, discomfort, irritability, burning or other uncomfortable bladder symptoms.
Women may experience a sudden, strong desire to void frequently followed by involuntary leakage of urination.
Urinary tract infections are a common occurrence in women of all ages. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria, which is found in the digestive system and bowel is often the cause of such infections. The urethra, bladder or kidneys may be affected by this. Women may experience urinary tract infections more than six times a year.
You may wake up multiple times at night to pass urine. This is not normal and you may need help to resolve the underlying issue.