Incontinence And Problems In The Pelvic Floor

incontinence and physioPelvic floor issues affect many people, yet most of those who experience issues suffer in silence.  It may feel embarrassing to ask for help, but there is a wealth of knowledge and skills that can help get you back on track.  At Physiologix, physiotherapist Megan Bergman has specific training in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor problems.


What can a pelvic floor problem present like?

An improperly functioning pelvic floor can present with one or number of the following symptoms

  • accidently leaking with exercise or coughing and sneezing
  • constantly needing to go to the toilet or not making it to the loo on time
  • difficulty emptying your bladder and or bowel
  • accidently losing control, of your bladder or bowel including passing wind
  • painful sex
  • pain in and around the pelvis
  • prolapse
    • In women this may be felt as a bulge in the vagina or some heaviness, discomfort, dragging or dropping
    • In men this may be felt as a bulge in the rectum or feeling as though you need to use your bowels but not actually having to go

What causes problems with the Pelvic Floor?



It is not just weak, stretched or damaged pelvic floor muscles that cause problems.  Sometimes they can be too tight. 

Muscle fitness can be affected by

  • Being pregnant and having babies (naturally or by caesarean)
  • Low back pain
  • Ongoing constipation and straining to toilet
  • Being overweight
  • Injury to the pelvic floor
  • Heavy lifting
  • Chronic coughing or sneezing (asthma, hayfever, smoking, chest infections)
  • Getting older
  • Not activating muscles correctly, overworking them or overloading them with endurance or high level sports

Often people think that doing a lot of squeezing of the pelvic floor is the way to address problems but this is not always the case. This is why it is important to have a proper assessment to ensure that the correct exercises are being performed.

What does a Pelvic Floor assessment involve?

Megan will take a detailed history of the issues you are facing. An assessment of the function of your pelvic floor may involve (but is not limited to) observing its function on the ultrasound machine through the abdomen, assessment of movement and breathing patterns, or keeping a diary of detailed activity.  An internal examination is sometimes needed but is not always necessary.

If you experience pelvic floor (or bladder or bowel control) problems it is advisable to see Megan (who is specifically trained in Women’s Health physiotherapy), to determine the cause of your symptoms and discuss the best treatment and management options to suit your needs. This may include an individually tailored pelvic floor muscle training program to help get you back in control.  

To make a booking or to talk about any queries you may have please contact Physiologix (based upstairs at the Gap Health and Racquet Club) on (07) 3511 1112 or email from the website physiologix.com.au