Breaking the silence on pelvic floor issues

Some health concerns can feel more private than others. (For this reason, all patient names used in this article have been changed.)

For 34-year-old Jen, it was the urinary leakage she experienced while running and during other activities. This issue became so severe it affected her desire to stay active. Beyond the embarrassment, she worried about what treatment might mean for her future and her ability to grow her family.

Kathleen, 55, also dealt with urinary incontinence, soaking five to six pads a day, sometimes even her clothes. She had tried pelvic floor therapy, fluid management and medications, all with little success, leaving her feeling isolated and helpless.

Eighty-year-old Margaret lived with vaginal bulge symptoms from pelvic organ prolapse, a common issue for older women. She was in almost constant discomfort, and her ability to walk was significantly affected. Like Jen and Kathleen, Margaret, too, was starting to wonder if there was any hope.

But hope did exist. All three women eventually found the solutions they were looking for thanks to Dr. Jessica Selle at Aspirus St. Luke’s. As the only urogynecologist north of the Twin Cities, Selle helps women struggling with a wide range of pelvic floor disorders.

Restoring hope and health

“I am passionate about women taking control of their health so they can live happier, healthier lives,” Selle said. “That’s why I love urogynecology so much. This specialty has enabled me to treat issues that many thought they had to just live with.”

Common issues treated by Selle include loss of bladder or bowel control, pelvic organ prolapse, frequent urination, childbirth-related pelvic floor injuries and other pelvic floor disorders. Ultimately, her goal is to help women regain function, comfort and quality of life.

“I want more women to know that they are not alone and that there absolutely is hope for them,” Selle said. “These issues are far more common than many realize, and much can be done to improve symptoms and quality of life.”

The problem is, there are a lot of myths surrounding pelvic floor disorders that can keep women from reaching out.

Debunking common myths and misconceptions

“The No. 1 misconception I hear is that pelvic floor issues are just a normal part of aging or life after childbirth,” Selle said. “While these issues are common for women in these demographics, it does not mean they just have to live with them.”

Both nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy and pessaries, as well as surgical interventions can greatly improve symptoms.

Selle has also found that many believe these issues only affect women who have given birth.

“There are a lot of women who have not had children who do have pelvic floor disorders,” she said. “Many factors come into play, so it’s best to seek care if there are bothersome pelvic floor symptoms.”

Myths about physical therapy can also prevent women from seeking treatment.

“There’s so much more to pelvic floor physical therapy than just learning Kegels,” Selle said. “Physical therapists can teach a variety of exercises that can be incredibly helpful.

“Physical therapy isn’t only for women dealing with pain,” she added. “It can address issues like overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and can relieve symptoms associated with mild prolapse. So, if you’ve dismissed physical therapy because of these misconceptions, it’s worth reconsidering.”

Urogynecology at Aspirus St. Luke’s

So, when is it time to reach out? Some signs that it may be time to seek specialized care include:

● Urinary incontinence: Accidental leakage of urine.

● Stress urinary incontinence: leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing, and exercise (loss of support to the urethra).

● Overactive bladder: Frequent, urgent need to urinate, with or without leakage (loss of bladder control).

● Pelvic organ prolapse: Feeling a bulge or pressure in the vagina, or a sensation that something is “falling out” or not in place.

● Fecal incontinence: Accidental leakage of stool.

“If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, at the very least, schedule a consultation,” Selle said. “We can talk, get to the bottom of whatever you’re experiencing and decide on a course of action – together.”

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Selle at Aspirus St. Luke’s Obstetrics & Gynecology today – no referral required. Call 218-249-4950 or visit slhduluth.com/obgyn