Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Newcastle
Your pelvic floor is a sling of muscles that supports the bladder and bowel and helps control when you go. When it weakens or loses coordination, the effects can be wide-ranging, from leakage and urgency to heaviness and incomplete emptying. The reassuring point is that pelvic floor dysfunction responds well to structured and supervised treatment.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
The pelvic floor is a sheet of muscle that stretches across the base of the pelvis. It supports the bladder and bowel and in women also supports the uterus. It wraps around the urethra and rectum and works continuously, tightening when you cough or lift and relaxing when you pass urine or open your bowels.
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when these muscles are:
- Weak or overstretched
- Too tense
- Poorly coordinated
In women it commonly follows childbirth and menopause. In men it often develops after prostate surgery or alongside chronic straining. Symptoms can include stress leakage, urgency, a dragging sensation in the pelvis, incomplete bladder emptying and sometimes pelvic discomfort or changes affecting intimacy.
Because the pelvic floor is muscle, it can be retrained. Accurate assessment determines whether your muscles are weak, overactive or uncoordinated. Treatment is then matched precisely to that pattern.
Signs of a struggling pelvic floor
One or more of these symptoms may be present and all are worth assessing.
Leakage and urgency
Leaking with coughing, laughing or exercise or sudden urges that are difficult to control.
Heaviness and incomplete emptying
A dragging or heavy sensation in the pelvis or a bladder that never feels fully empty.
Comfort and intimacy changes
Pelvic discomfort or altered sexual sensation and confidence in both men and women.
How we assess pelvic floor dysfunction
Assessment focuses on identifying the specific pattern of muscle dysfunction.
Consultation and symptom review
A detailed discussion explores your symptoms, triggers and history.
Physical assessment
Where appropriate, examination assesses muscle strength coordination and tension.
Bladder evaluation
If leakage or urgency is present, urine testing or further bladder assessment may be recommended. Not every person requires extensive testing. Evaluation is tailored to your symptoms.
From assessment to rehabilitation
Treatment is built around the findings of your assessment.
Weak muscles require strengthening. Overactive or tense muscles require relaxation and coordination training. Poor timing or control is addressed with retraining exercises.
Most people begin with supervised pelvic floor rehabilitation. Additional pathways are integrated if leakage, prolapse symptoms or bladder problems are also present.
Treating pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Structured and supervised retraining of the pelvic floor muscles. This is the foundation of treatment for most people.
Female Urinary Incontinence
Where stress or urge leakage is the main concern in women.
Male Incontinence
Including structured rehabilitation following prostate surgery. Treatment plans are stepped and proportionate.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for pelvic floor dysfunction in Newcastle?
Muscles can be retrained
With structured guidance the pelvic floor often improves significantly.
Assessment-led care
Weak tense and uncoordinated muscles require different approaches and these are identified first.
For men and women
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects both and treatment is tailored accordingly.
Joined-up care
Where bladder or prolapse symptoms accompany dysfunction the appropriate pathway is integrated seamlessly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just do exercises on my own?
Many people attempt pelvic floor exercises independently but often use incorrect technique or address the wrong problem. Supervised assessment improves accuracy and results.
Do men have pelvic floor dysfunction?
Yes. It is particularly common after prostate surgery and structured rehabilitation is often the first step in regaining control.
How long before I notice improvement?
Many people notice changes within a few weeks of consistent and correctly targeted training with further gains over three months.
Do I need a referral?
No. Self-referral is welcome.
Book your urology consultation today
Consultations are available to book online for patients with or without a GP referral. Our private specialists provide world-class care in a discrete environment.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception01189207055
- Location
The Beverley Hospital, The Edge, Fifth Ave, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0XA
