To watch the Full Episode see the link at end.

Types of Sexual Issues

Sexual issues happen in all genders. Problems that people experience include painful intercourse either vaginal or anal, abdominal or pelvic pain, low libido, incontinence during sex, muscle tension, issues with erection, ejaculation and orgasm.

Reasons for Sexual Issues

The pelvic floor muscles are involved during sex, urination and defecation. Therefore Pelvic Floor problems can involve sex, bladder and bowel issues and they can be interrelated.

The muscles may need to be retrained from years of over or underuse.

People with bladder or bowel issues may have increased problems. This can be from years of clenching while trying to make it to the bathroom, having incontinence, perianal disease, fissures, fistulas, rectal prolapse. The muscles are most likely overused and are in a state of contraction.  

Cancer treatments can cause a host of problems as can giving birth.

Physical Therapy for the Pelvic Floor

There is a specialized field of Physical Therapy (PT) for the Pelvic Floor. These PT’s are especially trained to evaluate and examine the function and dysfunction of the muscles of the pelvic floor. This is not something that a regular PT can do.

Many people, even medical professionals are not aware of this type of PT and how it can help, even though it has been around for quite sometime. It can greatly benefit you. If you are experiencing any issues, try to get a referral.

Role of the Pelvic Floor

As mentioned the pelvic floor muscles are involved during sex, urination and defecation. It is the base for the organs to sit upon and reflects on our posture and even breathing.

Just like with anywhere else in the body, structural and muscular imbalances happen. Therefore it happens in the pelvic floor but you can’t see these muscles.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy with an Ostomy

If you have an ostomy you can still benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy.

A qualified pelvic floor PT will take your history, evaluate and examine internally and externally. If you’ve had organs or rectum and anus removed you can still have this type of PT.

Exercises and an appropriate game plan will be prescribed.

The length of treatment will vary depending on the patient.

Other Approaches

Issues such as depression, low self-esteem, poor body image and fear around your ostomy are all things I address in my “Surviving to Thriving” program. There is a full section about Intimacy and Relationships. Or you may wish to consult a sex therapist or reach out for some other type of support.

Other Resources

Elaine’s other relevant blogs: https://elaineorourke.com/blog/

Full Episode: “Pelvic Floor Issues for all genders: Sexual Concerns, Bladder and Bowel”