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How to Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Without Pain (Try this)

  • Writer: Dr. Amaani
    Dr. Amaani
  • Nov 26, 2024
  • 7 min read

Updated: Jun 25


Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD)

More than 60% of UK women deal with at least one symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction.


Malaysian women show the same worrying patterns as they search for the best treatment. This condition affects countless women in Malaysia and takes a toll on their quality of life.


Many people feel uncomfortable talking about pelvic floor dysfunction, which leads to misdiagnosis and confusion.


These issues can be tough both physically and mentally. Medical experts tell us that pelvic floor dysfunction affects about half the people who have long-term constipation.


The good news? You can treat pelvic floor dysfunction.


Several treatment options can help improve symptoms without pain or invasive procedures. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Research proves that losing just 3-5% of your body weight cuts urinary incontinence episodes in half.


As I wrote in this piece, you'll learn about proven ways to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. These range from simple at-home exercises to advanced treatments like Fotona IntimaLase laser therapy.


We know these symptoms can be frustrating and embarrassing. Let us help you find relief and boost your confidence!


Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Your pelvic floor works like a hammock of muscles and ligaments at the base of your pelvis.


These muscles support vital organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. They help control urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.


What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

This condition happens when you can't properly relax and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles.


Your body keeps these muscles tight instead of naturally tightening and relaxing them during activities like urination or bowel movements. The condition shows up in two main ways:

  • Hypertonicity: Muscles that are too tight and won't relax properly

  • Hypotonicity: Muscles that are too weak to give enough support


Research shows pelvic floor disorders affect up to 25% of healthy non-pregnant women of all ages, and this number goes up as women get older.


The problem is serious enough that one in nine women needs surgery at some point in their lives.


Common symptoms in women

Women who have pelvic floor dysfunction often experience:


  • Urinary problems - leaking when they cough, laugh, or exercise; frequent bathroom trips; or trouble emptying their bladder fully

  • Bowel issues - constipation, strain during bowel movements, or loss of bowel control

  • Pain during sex (dyspareunia)

  • Sensations of heaviness or feeling like something is falling out in the vaginal area

  • Pelvic pain or pressure that gets worse as the day goes on

The numbers tell a clear story - urinary incontinence affects about 55.8% of women with this condition, while pelvic pain troubles up to 18.7%.


How it affects daily life

This condition can turn your whole world upside down. Studies show women's quality of life drops in every area, with emotional well-being taking the biggest hit.

The ripple effects include:

  • Sexual problems (affecting up to 83% of women with these disorders)

  • Depression rates three times higher than women without the condition

  • Less social activity and withdrawal from regular activities

  • Disrupted sleep from nighttime bathroom visits

  • Career challenges due to frequent bathroom breaks

  • Self-image issues and relationship difficulties


These effects make choosing the right treatment vital. Modern options like Fotona laser therapy give women a pain-free way to tackle these problems without adding to their discomfort.


Do these symptoms sound familiar? Schedule a consultation with our specialists to talk about your concerns.


What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The mechanisms of pelvic floor dysfunction help doctors determine the best treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Natural life events and lifestyle choices can both lead to this condition.


Childbirth and hormonal changes

Pregnancy and childbirth stand out as the main triggers for pelvic floor problems. The growing uterus changes the body's center of gravity and puts pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy.


Hormonal changes relax pelvic tissues and alter the support structures fundamentally.


A vaginal delivery affects pelvic health substantially. Studies show that the pelvic floor must stretch to more than three times its original length during childbirth.


This extreme stretching can damage muscles and connective tissue that leads to chronic problems. Studies show that all but one of these women who deliver vaginally need surgery for pelvic floor disorders.


The decline in estrogen levels during menopause weakens pelvic support even further.


Research proves that menopause raises the risk of pelvic floor diseases.

The symptoms increase substantially afterward because estrogen deficiency reduces tissue elasticity and strength.


Aging and muscle weakening

Women's pelvic floor loses strength and elasticity with age. People lose about 50% of their skeletal muscle fibers by age 80.


This loss affects pelvic muscles too. The levator bowl volume in older women increases by over 80%. This creates extra space for organs to drop.


Age becomes the biggest risk factor for pelvic floor disorders after menopause. Research indicates that older pelvic muscles become stiffer. This stiffness reduces their ability to bear weight and contract properly.


Lifestyle factors like obesity and straining

Extra weight puts tremendous pressure on the pelvic floor. Studies show that 90% of morbidly obese females have pelvic floor disorders.


Obesity links directly to stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.


Other lifestyle factors that contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction include:

  • Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements

  • Repeated heavy lifting that increases abdominal pressure

  • Persistent coughing (often from smoking)

  • Long periods of sitting


Malaysian women can find budget-friendly solutions through non-invasive treatments like Fotona laser therapy. This groundbreaking treatment strengthens pelvic tissues without surgery.


Fed up with the discomfort and frustration of pelvic floor issues? Dive into our expert guide on Fotona Laser treatment and discover how this gentle, non-invasive solution can help you regain control and confidence.


Non-Surgical Ways to Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Malaysian women looking to ease their pelvic floor dysfunction have several non-surgical options that can make a big difference.


Let's look at these treatment options you can try before surgery becomes necessary.


Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)

Kegel exercises make the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum stronger.


You can find the right muscles by trying to stop your urine flow midstream.


Once you know which muscles to use, squeeze them for 3-5 seconds and relax for the same time. You can slowly work up to 10-second holds.


Try to do at least 30-40 Kegels daily throughout your day. Research shows women who keep doing these exercises have fewer urinary incontinence episodes and better pelvic support.


Bladder training and biofeedback

Bladder training helps you wait longer between bathroom visits and increases your bladder's capacity.


You'll need to follow a set bathroom schedule and learn ways to control urges when they come too early.


Most people see results within 2 weeks, but full training usually takes 6-12 weeks. Biofeedback therapy uses sensors to show you how your pelvic muscles work.


This helps you learn to control the right muscles. Women who combine biofeedback with pelvic floor exercises are 25% more likely to get better results than those who only do exercises.


Diet and lifestyle adjustments

Your weight is a vital part of treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Weight loss can reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse.


It also helps to cut back on things that irritate your bladder like caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, and alcohol.


Focus on eating:

  • Pure water to stay hydrated

  • Low-acidic fruits and vegetables (melons, bananas, carrots)

  • Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation

  • Fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation


Use of vaginal pessaries

Pessaries are silicone devices that doctors put in the vagina to support organs that have dropped.


Ring pessaries work well for mild to moderate prolapse, while Gellhorn pessaries help with advanced cases.


These devices ease symptoms while they're in place and are a great non-surgical choice for Malaysian women.


But some types need to come out before sex, and you must clean them regularly to avoid infections.


Medications and topical estrogen

Local estrogen therapy can improve urinary symptoms by helping vaginal and urethral tissues recover. You can use vaginal creams, tablets, rings, or suppositories.


Doctors might prescribe antimuscarinic medications or beta-3 agonists like mirabegron for overactive bladder.


Muscle relaxants can also help loosen tight pelvic floor muscles.


How Fotona IntimaLase Offers a Painless Solution

Malaysian women have found a groundbreaking solution for pelvic floor dysfunction. The Fotona IntimaLase provides a painless alternative to traditional treatments that delivers impressive results.


What is Fotona IntimaLase?

Fotona SP Dynamis NX Line

Fotona IntimaLase is a specialized non-invasive laser therapy that rejuvenates vaginal tissue.


This patented Er:YAG laser treatment works well for vaginal relaxation syndrome—a condition where the vaginal canal structure loses its optimal form. The procedure doesn't need incisions, anesthesia, or recovery time.


Specialists perform it using Fotona's advanced dual-wavelength technology with the SP Dynamis laser system.


How non-invasive laser therapy works

IntimaLase technology delivers controlled thermal energy to vaginal tissues.


The proprietary "Smooth-mode" technology uses a 2940 nm Er:YAG laser that gently heats the vaginal mucosa to 45-65°C—the perfect temperature range for collagen remodeling. This creates:

  • Immediate tissue shrinkage (up to 30% in volume)

  • Collagen remodeling and new collagen fiber formation

  • Better thickness, elasticity, and firmness of vaginal walls


A two-step process treats both the vaginal canal and introitus area to ensure complete results.


Benefits over traditional treatments

IntimaLase stands out from conventional therapies:

  • High satisfaction rates: Clinical studies show 95% of patients notice improved vaginal tightness

  • Zero downtime: Patients return to normal activities right away

  • Exceptional safety profile: No serious adverse effects reported

  • Quick procedure: Takes only 20-30 minutes

  • Lasting results: Vaginal canal shrinks by 17% on average


Who is it suitable for?

This treatment helps women who experience:

  • Vaginal laxity from childbirth or natural aging

  • Reduced sensation during intimacy

  • Mild to moderate pelvic floor relaxation

  • Menopausal changes affecting vaginal structure


Most patients need 2-3 treatments one month apart for the best results. Want to know if this could be the best treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction for you? Book a consultation with our specialists at Dream Clinic's Fotona laser center.


Your Path to Better Pelvic Health

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects many Malaysian women. You don't need to let this condition silently impact your quality of life anymore.


Our Fotona laser therapy offers remarkable benefits without pain or downtime for those who want faster, more complete results.


Malaysian women find the Fotona IntimaLase procedure particularly effective for pelvic floor dysfunction.


This breakthrough treatment addresses both symptoms and root causes through collagen remodeling and tissue rejuvenation.


Want to find the best treatment for your situation? Schedule a consultation with our specialists to discuss your symptoms and create an individual-specific treatment plan.


Dream Clinic also provides complete aesthetic services at our skin clinic in Kuala Lumpur. We use advanced technology and expertise across many treatments.


Our team provides caring, professional support throughout your recovery, understanding how sensitive these issues can be.


REFERENCES


  1. ​​Facs, G. L. M. M. F. (n.d.). Pelvic organ prolapse: Practice Essentials, background, problem. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/276259-overview?form=fpf


  2. Facs, G. L. M. M. F. (n.d.-b). Pelvic organ prolapse treatment & management: medical therapy, surgical therapy, surgical management of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/276259-treatment?form=fpf


  3. IntimaLase® | Fotona. (n.d.). https://www.fotona.com/en/treatments/2054/intimalase-r/

 
 
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