What is the Pelvic Floor?

What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a set of muscles that spread across
the bottom of the pelvic cavity like a hammock. The
pelvic floor has three openings that run through it, the
urethra, the vagina, and the rectum. The functions of
the pelvic floor include:
To support the pelvic organs, specifically the
uterus, the bladder, and the rectum
To help provide sphincter control for the
bladder and bowel
To withstand increases in pressure that occur
in the abdomen such as coughing, sneezing,
laughing, straining, and lifting
To enhance the sexual response
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What is Proctalgia Fugax?
Proctalgia fugax is a sharp fleeing pain felt in the rectum that
lasts from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. In rare cases the pain
can last up to several hours. The pain is localized and
usually occurs spontaneously during the night.
The rectum is the last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine. It
expands to store solid waste, and when full its muscular walls
contract, forcing waste through the anorectal canal to the
anus; where it is expelled from the body.
Symptoms of proctalgia fugax include:
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Sharp fleeing pain felt in the rectum
Cross-section of the anorectal canal
What Causes Proctalgia Fugax?
Proctalgia fugax is caused by a spasm in the rectal smooth muscle, or the surrounding pelvic floor
muscles. The cause for spasming is unknown. It is not related to hemorrhoids, polyps, fissures, or other
rectal conditions. It is not thought to be psychological in origin, however many patients report that
emotional stress increases the frequency of attacks.
How is Proctalgia Fugax Treated?
There is no permanent cure for proctalgia fugax. To decrease the symptoms the following may help:
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Warm baths
Ice cubes to the area
Warm to hot enemas
Cold water enema
Pushing on the perineum or anus
Relaxation techniques
Using the asthma inhaler salbutamol to stop prolonged episodes
Having sexual intercourse just before or after defecation can lead to an episode of proctaglia fugax. You
can usually tell if an episode is brought on in this manner. If this is the case, then avoiding the combination
of activities can help decrease the frequency of episodes.
Medical treatments that may help with recurrent episodes include:
• Electrical stimulation to the rectal region
• Massage to the rectal region
• Pelvic floor muscle reeducation using biofeedback. Biofeedback uses special computer equipment
that measures muscle activity. You can use this feedback while doing exercises to learn to
properly contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles.
• The medication diazepam
Preventative measures of eating a diet high in fiber and drinking plenty of fluids may help decrease the
frequency of episodes by keeping stools soft.
To find out more about Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, visit www.gatewayphysio.com or call us at
705-474-4440.