PFD vs IC

[icjen]

How would you know if you had PFD along with IC? I read up a bit and it seems to have alot of the same symptoms. Would you be more likely for incontience with PFD. I don't have incontience, but I'm curious about how you would know that there is something else going on too? Thanks, Jen

[burningbright]

I'm not real sure, but I know my doctor sent me for PFMT as soon as I got the IC. I think he assumed they went hand in hand, or maybe he just knew I had both, but that's as far as my experience with them intertwining is. I was actually wondering the same thing.

[tigger_gal]

When I found out I had pfd they did a test called biofeedback. I did not know that something else was going on, I thought it was my ic. I hope this is helpful.

[icjen]

What kind of test is that?

[tigger_gal]

try this link http://www.bio-medical.com/news_display.cfm?mode=INC&newsid=47

what it is, is where they have you insert a small tampon looking thing in, it has a cord. Then they have you do a few different things, cough, keagles, sit, stand, crouch down.. it all tests your pelvic floor muscles... mine all failed.. don't have any control over them..

[creatingkarma]

I didn't have to have any tampon thing inserted when I had biofeedback. The PT just used tiny little electrode thingies that she stuck on me. She did check inside with her finger, however, & said "Oh my! No wonder sex hurts!"

[Katrina]

Not easy to tell with just symptoms. ....a form of biofeedback was how I was diagnosed. (Although I think we were pretty possitive before that too) They both effect each other....Do you have bladder contractions? Do antispasmodics help you? Have you had any difficult births? Abdominal surgeries? Any illnesses such as IBS or IBD? (You don't need to answer all of these but if you answered yes a lot there is good reason to suspect PFD)

Hope that helps. Let us know if you see a physical therapist.
:grouphug:

[icjen]

I did have PT, but it really didn't help much. Although, I don't think I gave it enough time before I started to give up. I really don't think I have bladder spasms. I sometimes have "shooting" pains that start at vaginal opening and go up to bladder. But, I've never noticed an spasm as the kind you can have in your muscles. I do have IBS. I probably don't have PFD, but was just curious why someone with IC would suspect it. I know my pelic floor muscles are weak. That's for sure. I can barely hold a Kegal squeeze. Thanks for the replies. Jen

[July]

I think this is a hot topic in the medical field right now. I've heard many PTs say that there is often some level of pelvic floor dysfunction for patients with IC/VV. I believe that. I think in our efforts to "protect" the hurting area, we tense up and the muscles then learn to behave differently and abnormally.

[ICB]

The information below is a little long, but it explains PFD and how it affects IC.

ICB :flower:

What is it? Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) occurs when the muscles of your pelvic floor (the area surrounding your rectum, vagina/scrota, and urethra) do not contract and relax properly. PFD can be seen in men, women and children; however the pain is often worse in men/boys. Children with PFD are usually diagnose as dysfunctional voiders. 70% of IC patients develop PFD.

How does this affect IC? When the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function normally, urination and bladder function can be partially controlled by the contractions and relaxation of the pelvic floor. When you urinate, the pelvic floor muscles relax, signaling the bladder to contract, and voiding occurs normally. Conversely, when there is an urge to urinate that you can’t immediately act on, contracting the pelvic floor sends a message to the bladder, telling it to relax and wait.

With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, the muscles do not relax properly, and often contract at inappropriate times, (like when you are trying to void). This makes it difficult for the bladder to function, making you feel like you have to “bear-down” to push the urine out. This pushing activity worsens the PFD, and puts strain on the structures that support the pelvic floor. These strong, spontaneous contractions can become painful spasms, triggering painful sensation throughout the pelvic region. This tightening of the pelvic floor can also contribute to bladder spasms, a very painful complication for IC patients. The symptoms of PFD are similar to those of IC. Constipation can also exist in a patient with PFD.

Once an IC patient with PFD receives therapy, there is a decline in pain, urgency, frequency, and nocturia. This means that even before treatment begins for IC, the patient does much better and IC symptoms improve.

How do I know if I have PFD?

 Poor Urine Stream – If the PFM are in spasms, your urine stream will be slow, erratic, and/or uneven.
 Feeling a need to “Bear-Down” – If you need to push to urinate or defecate, the pelvic floor muscles may not be relaxing appropriately.
 Unexplained pain in the pelvic region, low back, or radiating leg pain.
 Painful Intercourse – especially if the pain is felt at the introitus (vaginal opening) with women, and occurring during or shortly after orgasm/ejaculation with men. The location of pain for men varies (throbbing or burning pain at the tip of the penis; along the shaft of the penis; around the anus or perineum).

Possible Symptoms:

 Pelvic Pain (may worsen with bladder filling)
 Frequency
 Constipation
 Low Back Pain
 Radiating Leg Pain
 Painful Intercourse (Both men & women)
 Sense of incomplete bladder emptying or incomplete bowel movement. (Sometimes patients retain urine in their bladders, at times large volumes.)

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

[icjen]

That's very helpful. Thanks alot ICB