Pelvic Health Treatment in Baltimore, MD
Constipation
Constipation can have different meanings: hard, dry stools, difficulty in eliminating the stools, or infrequent bowel movements. No matter the definition, it can affect someone’s daily life, and is more common than we think.
Fecal Incontinence
Defined as the inability to control bowel movements, fecal incontinence can be to solid or liquid stools, or mucus from the colon. It is estimated to affect 14-36% of the US population and distressing to any patient. While much more common in females over 50, it can affect any gender at any age.
Rectal prolapse
Rectal prolapse occurs when the support system of the rectum weakens, causing a telescoping of the rectum and at times, a protrusion outside the anus. It can be confused with hemorrhoids, and a thorough history and exam are critical to the diagnosis for proper treatment.
Rectocele
A weakening of the muscular wall between the rectum and vagina can cause the front wall of the rectum to bulge into the back wall of the vagina. Because of this, stool can get trapped in this pocket, making it difficult to initiate or complete a bowel movement.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvis is an intricate network of muscles and layers that act to support the organs there, including the rectum. When these muscles become tense or tight, or disordered in their coordination, it can result in both pain or chronic constipation.