Pelvic Floor Disorder, or PFD, is not just a medical condition that is uncomfortable for many women worldwide, it can also lead to embarrassing circumstances, which can force suffering women into silence. These types of urogyn conditions can be difficult to talk about with a doctor or even a family member, so if you know or think someone may be experiencing the symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorder, finding a way to shed some light on the situation without overwhelming or embarrassing the woman in question is important.

It’s important to know that doctors like Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore are very used to talking about problems like this. If you or someone you love needs to get proper treatment for PFDs, they need to be discussed. Here are some ways to get yourself, a friend, or a family member to open up about what they’re experiencing, in order to get the best help possible:

How to Start A PFD Conversation

It could be any woman you know, a friend, your wife, mother, or sister, who is suffering from a pelvic floor disorder, but you can be the one to inspire them to seek help. Tread lightly, as these conversations can start off poorly. That being said, here are some great ways to get to talking in the right direction:

“I noticed you’ve been going to be bathroom a lot during the day and at night. Everything okay?”

“Hey, I read some interesting information about pelvic floor disorders the other day, and thought you might be interested to know that it’s a common problem for women, and that it can be treated.”

“I have noticed that you haven’t been as active as you used to be. Is everything okay?”

“Have you noticed any leakage issues when you’re coughing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects? I’m looking out for you.”

If, after discussing it with you, your loved one believes she could be suffering from a pelvic floor disorder, you can offer to schedule an upcoming appointment for an evaluation. Just taking that first step off of her shoulders might be just what she needs! Help her do some research and come up with a list of questions to ask her doctor; being prepared is a way to help soothe any nerves.

Show Her that You Are Standing Beside Her

Starting a conversation may be the most difficult part, but keeping it going (especially with someone reluctant to talk about pelvic floor disorders) can be just as difficult. Here are some facts from Voices for PFD that may help your loved one realize that they are not alone, and that help can be a diagnosis away:

  • Pelvic floor disorders are not a normal part of aging that you have to just live with. They are medical conditions. There are many treatment options available for PFDs.
  • Many women spend more than $900 per year purchasing pads and other products to cope with their incontinence, instead of seeking treatment. But they don’t have to!
  • Women who suffer from pelvic floor disorders tend to not report their condition due to embarrassment. Don’t be embarrassed, because many women suffer from PFD.
  • More than 50 percent of women aged 55 and older suffer from one or more of the problems caused by pelvic floor disorders.
  • One in three women (about 30 percent) with overactive bladders or urinary incontinence also suffer from loss of bowel control.
  • More than half (60 percent) of nursing home occupants suffer from loss of bowel control and/or urinary incontinence.
  • Urogynecologists (like Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore) are physicians with special training in treating pelvic floor disorders in women.

It is true that discussing such a delicate subject, whether it be with a loved one, or a medical professional, can be uncomfortable. But if you have someone in your life that you believe is suffering from pelvic floor disorder, they deserve to know that there’s no need to hide. Drs. Miklos and Moore are world-renowned urogynecologists that have spent years of their lives working toward learning and understanding these types of conditions in order to provide the best care and solutions for women suffering. By starting the conversation with a friend, wife, sister, aunt, or other womanly figure in your life, you’re helping them make the best decisions for their health and comfort.

Contact Dr. Miklos and Dr. Moore today for the best care available for any woman in your life.