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Pelvic Floor Disorders Overview

What Are Pelvic Floor Disorders?

Pelvic floor disorders refer to conditions that affect the muscles and tissues supporting the bladder, uterus, rectum, and intestines. Damage or dysfunction in this area may cause a wide range of symptoms, such as bladder or bowel difficulties, sexual concerns, and persistent pelvic pain. New York patients experiencing these challenges often benefit from expert, multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment.

These disorders can develop for several reasons, such as pregnancy, childbirth, the natural aging process, or the effects of surgery, impacting both men and women across different stages of life. With specialized, targeted care, treating pelvic floor disorders in NYC can significantly enhance the quality of life, providing relief from uncomfortable, disruptive symptoms and restoring essential functions to improve overall well-being.

What Are the Pelvic Floor Disorders That You Treat in NYC?

At Pelvic Pain Doc, we address a comprehensive range of pelvic floor disorders, including:

  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Difficulty with bowel movements or urination due to uncoordinated pelvic muscles.
  • Urinary Incontinence: Leakage of urine, often due to weak pelvic muscles.
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When pelvic organs shift from their natural position, causing pressure and discomfort.
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic area, often from muscle tension or nerve issues.
  • Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Discomfort during sexual activity due to muscle tension or scarring.
  • Fecal Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

These conditions require specialized care for both immediate symptom relief and long-term health improvement.

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What Are the Signs That I May Have a Pelvic Floor Disorder?

Signs of pelvic floor disorders can vary widely but often include:

  • Persistent pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, groin, or lower back
  • Difficulty or discomfort during urination or bowel movements
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder fully
  • Pelvic pressure, fullness, or bulging sensations
  • Frequent urges to urinate or inability to fully empty the bladder
  • Painful or uncomfortable intercourse
  • Leakage of urine or stool during daily activities
  • A sensation of bulging or heaviness in the vaginal or rectal area, often linked to organ prolapse

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may indicate an underlying pelvic floor disorder that could benefit from specialized care. You can consult our office and discuss what you think you are experiencing so we can assist in next steps and understanding.

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How Do You Diagnose Pelvic Floor Disorders?

Diagnosing pelvic pain in NYC or other pelvic floor disorders requires a comprehensive, detail-oriented approach to accurately identify both symptoms and root causes. At her New York practice, Dr. Sonia Bahlani begins this process with a thorough medical history review, carefully examining your health background, lifestyle, and any past issues that may be contributing to your pelvic pain. New York patients benefit from an expert physical examination that assesses muscle strength, alignment, and areas of tenderness.

When necessary, Dr. Bahlani employs advanced diagnostic tools, such as ultrasound, MRI, or urodynamic testing, to better understand the structure and function of your pelvic floor. Depending on your unique symptoms, she may also recommend targeted evaluations to ensure a full diagnostic picture. This in-depth process enables her to craft a highly personalized treatment plan designed for long-lasting relief and restored pelvic wellness.

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Bladder Control Assessment &
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorders

Experiencing bladder control issues, like leaking, urgency, or frequent trips to the bathroom, can feel deeply personal and even embarrassing. Many people hesitate to talk about it, but it’s important to know these symptoms are incredibly common and treatable. At our office, we provide a compassionate, private environment where you can speak openly about your concerns and begin a personalized treatment plan without judgment.

If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence or related pelvic floor symptoms, we offer several diagnostic tools to help understand the root cause. Some assessments can begin at home, like tracking your bladder habits, while others are performed in-office for accurate diagnosis and customized care.

Some tests used for this are outlined here, please discuss with our office so we can help you on your way to recovery.

Bladder diary: Tracks fluid intake, urination times, leakage episodes, associated urges, and activities to reveal urinary patterns and triggers (you can start this at home and bring to our office)

Stress test (cough test): Observes urine leakage when coughing or bearing down, often done during a pelvic exam to detect stress incontinence 

Urodynamic studies: Specialized tests such as uroflowmetry, cystometry, pressure-flow studies, and urethral profilometry assess how the bladder fills, stores, and empties urine 

Cystoscopy: Uses a tiny camera inserted into the bladder and urethra to identify inflammation, stones, or tumors contributing to leakage 

Ultrasound or pelvic imaging (MRI): Visualizes bladder structure, assesses residual urine after voiding, or checks for pelvic organ prolapse impacting bladder control

How Do You Treat Pelvic Floor Disorders in New York?

Treatment for pelvic floor disorders in New York is tailored to each individual’s specific needs and may involve a combination of therapies:

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Specialized exercises and techniques designed to strengthen, relax, or retrain pelvic floor muscles

Medication

Prescription medications may be used to relieve pain, manage muscle tension, or address inflammation

Injections

BOTOX or trigger point injections can help alleviate chronic pain and muscle tension in the pelvic floor area

Minimally Invasive Procedures

In cases like pelvic organ prolapse or severe incontinence, surgical intervention may be recommended to provide relief and restore normal function

Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary changes, hydration, and other lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms, especially in cases involving bladder or bowel incontinence

At Pelvic Pain Doc, our treatments focus on both immediate symptom relief and long-term wellness, ensuring a holistic and comprehensive approach to pelvic floor health.

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Patient Testimonial

Dr. Bahlani truly changed my life. She was the first doctor to properly diagnose me and then proceeded to essentially cure me within a few months. She is warm, informative and an extremely effective doctor. Dr. Bahlani is able to explain, guide and perform complicated procedures with ease. Her team is also incredibly dedicated, organized and welcoming. I cannot recommend Dr. Bahlani more highly. Thank you!!

M.A.

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Why Choose Pelvic Pain Doc to Treat Your Pelvic Floor Disorders in NYC?

Choosing Pelvic Pain Doc for your care means entrusting your health to a practice that specializes in compassionate, patient-centered treatment for complex pelvic floor disorders. Led by Dr. Sonia Bahlani, a fellowship-trained expert in pelvic pain and pelvic floor conditions, our team offers exceptional expertise and commitment to comprehensive care. At our boutique practice, we provide a welcoming, private environment where patients feel at ease discussing even the most sensitive health issues. 

  • Obtained her Doctor of Medicine from Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine.  
  • Trained under Dr. Robert Moldwin, a pioneer in pelvic pain, during her urology fellowship before joining the Smith Institute.  
  • Featured in prestigious national and international journals and made an appearance on The Dr. Oz Show. 
  • Honored as a New York Super Doctor for her contributions to medicine.  
  • Widely recognized as the "Pelvic Pain Guru," offering inspiration and expertise to thousands of listeners through her impactful podcasts.  

Learn More About Dr. Bahlani

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Pelvic Floor Disorders FAQs

Can pelvic floor disorders affect sexual function even if I have no pain?

Is it possible to have more than one pelvic floor disorder at the same time?

How do pelvic floor disorders relate to chronic back or hip pain?

Can lifestyle factors like high-impact exercise or chronic constipation worsen pelvic floor issues?

Do pelvic floor disorders ever resolve without treatment?

Can pelvic floor disorders affect sexual function even if I have no pain?

Yes. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause issues like reduced sensation, difficulty with arousal, or involuntary muscle contractions, impacting intimacy even without pain or obvious physical symptoms.

Is it possible to have more than one pelvic floor disorder at the same time?

Absolutely. Many patients experience a combination of conditions, such as urinary incontinence along with pelvic organ prolapse or constipation with pelvic pain, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

How do pelvic floor disorders relate to chronic back or hip pain?

The pelvic floor is closely connected to the core and stabilizing muscles. Dysfunction here can contribute to, or result from, imbalances that cause persistent lower back or hip discomfort.

Can lifestyle factors like high-impact exercise or chronic constipation worsen pelvic floor issues?

Yes. Activities or conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure—like heavy lifting, long-term straining, or repetitive jumping—can strain the pelvic floor and aggravate existing dysfunction.

Do pelvic floor disorders ever resolve without treatment?

While some mild symptoms may improve with lifestyle changes, most pelvic floor disorders require targeted intervention. Ignoring symptoms can allow them to worsen over time or lead to additional complications.

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