Pelvic Floor Muscle Examination

In this article learn how to do four.

Pelvic floor muscle examination.

Pelvic floor examination is a skilled procedure that requires compliance with consent chaperone and infection control policies. The pelvic floor also called the pelvic diaphragm is a bowl shaped muscular sheet whose main functions are to support the abdominal and pelvic organs and to control the opening and closing of the urethral and anal sphinters. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that affects your ability to control your pelvic floor muscles. Internal vaginal or rectal examination is different than a pelvic or prostate exam done by physician.

Internal techniques to examine the pelvic floor. Your provider may also do a physical exam to test how well you can control your pelvic floor muscles. During the pelvic examination of women with sexual pain the pelvic floor muscles pfms one of the largest structures in the pelvis should be palpated systematically. In women weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to prolapse and incontinence.

Measurement tools to evaluate pfm pelvic floor muscles function and strength. It is performed to look at the muscles and connective tissue in the pelvic floor. Method to measure ability to contract clinical observation vaginal palpation us mri emg measure to quantify strength manual muscle test by vaginal palpation manometry dynamometry cones clinical observation. Your doctor may perform an internal exam.

Achieving and maintaining pelvic floor health is essential to lifelong sexual enjoyment by minimizing or preventing injury and increasing arousal and sexual intensity. These muscles aid urinary control continence and orgasm. 3 the pelvic floor rests at the bottom of the pelvis and is formed mainly by the levator ani muscle group. Using single digit palpation the clinician should assess for changes of the pfms including hypertonicity trigger point formation and muscle shortening.

You may also be given other tests including. The exam is done with a gloved finger placed in the vaginal or rectal canal. Your provider may also need to give you an intrarectal inside the rectum exam or vaginal exam. Pain examination if present.

Because of the location of the pelvic floor muscles the best way to assess and treat them is to work internally. The pelvic floor is a set of muscles that supports pelvic organs including the bladder and bowel. This can be through the vagina in the female or the rectum in the male. Examination of a female patient s pelvic floor must be preceded by a full continence assessment.

Learn about the symptoms and treatment options.