Edit Content
Search
[give_form id="19690"]

What is a hypertonic pelvic floor?

QUESTION:
I’VE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE A HYPERTONIC PELVIC FLOOR. WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

ANSWER:

A hypertonic pelvic floor is when the pelvic floor muscles are either unrelaxed or so tense that they’re unable to relax. This is an area that is not widely recognized, so it’s no surprise that it’s not something you’re familiar with. But that doesn’t make it any less real to you.

A tense or unrelaxed pelvic floor can cause a number of problems, including constipation, painful sex, urgency to urinate, and pelvic pain. There is no single defining cause for a hypertonic pelvic floor, but there are several daily activities that can lead to an unwanted tightening of the muscles.

For example, some people try to hold their bladders when they feel uncomfortable using public restrooms or when they’re at work or other social activities. Holding it in for extended periods of time to prevent the loss of control can contribute to unwanted tightening.

Irritable bowel syndrome, birth trauma that causes scarring can also cause pelvic floor muscles to tighten protectively. Interestingly, many people who spend a lot of time exercising their core muscles can also develop tension in the pelvic floor because they don’t give their muscles enough time to relax.

A physiotherapist can help you identify those behaviors that may be causing or contributing to your condition. Better still, they can teach you pelvic muscle relaxation techniques, advise you on bladder and bowel habits, and instruct you on abdominal massage and stretching that may make a real difference for you.

Sources:

  1. Faubion, S. S., Shuster, L. T., & Bharucha, A. E. (2012, February). Recognition and management of non relaxing pelvic floor dysfunction. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 87, No. 2, pp. 187-193). Elsevier.
  2. https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/bhealth-blog/577/the-hypertonic-pelvic-floor/

Ask The Doc
The NAFC Ask The Doc series provides answers to some of our reader’s most common questions from a group of experts in the fields of urology, pelvic floor health, bowel health, and absorbent products. Do you have a question you’d like answered? Click here to Ask The Doc!

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

UTIS Menopause Podcast

UTIs, Incontinence and Menopause – More of a Connection than You Might Realize

Do you have pain or burning when you pee? If so, you might have a urinary tract infection. They’re remarkably common. About 50% of women will develop one in their lifetime, and they get even more common as women get older and go through menopause. If you’re one of the 50% unlucky enough to come down with a UTI, this podcast is for you…

For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Carer Blog Banner

Comfort Meets Confidence: Washable Incontinence Underwear Designed for Men

When it comes to bladder leaks, most men are familiar with disposable pads or guards. They’re the go-to solution—widely available, easy to use, and instantly replaceable. But what if there were a better option?

What many don’t realize is that washable incontinence underwear has come a long way. Thanks to innovations in fabric technology and thoughtful design, today’s washable options offer dependable protection in a form that looks and feels like regular underwear—without the drawbacks of disposables.

Podcast Webpage Image - Gill Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer in the News – What You Need to Know

With the recent announcement by Deion Sanders, hall of fame NFL player and current head coach for the University of Colorado Buffaloes, that he is undergoing treatment for bladder cancer, we’ve been seeing a significant increase in interest about the disease. Today’s guest is Dr. Bradley Gill, chief of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest and Mentor Hospitals and a board-certified urologist, to help us understand the condition, its causes, treatment options and potential outcomes.

UTIS Menopause Podcast

UTIs, Incontinence and Menopause – More of a Connection than You Might Realize

Do you have pain or burning when you pee? If so, you might have a urinary tract infection. They’re remarkably common. About 50% of women will develop one in their lifetime, and they get even more common as women get older and go through menopause. If you’re one of the 50% unlucky enough to come down with a UTI, this podcast is for you…

For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.