Did you know that many breast cancer treatments can have an effect on the pelvic region. More than 50% of women will experience changes in the function of the pelvic floor (which includes peeing, pooping, and sex) after treatment for breast cancer. Nearly 90% of cancer survivors report a major concern with sexual health and functioning
Here are the most common pelvic health issues that breast cancer patients experience:
Bladder Leakage
- Bladder leakage is caused by many factors including: pelvic floor muscle weakness or dysfunction, improper bowel and bladder habits, altered hormone levels and diet.
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening, core exercises and lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly decrease bladder leakage.
- A pelvic floor physical therapist is trained to evaluate the pelvic region and get to the root cause of your bladder leakage and design and program to help you get leak free.
Constipation
- Constipation is a common problem post-operative and post-cancer treatment patients face. Constipation can be related to medications, decrease in activity, pelvic pain and diet. Normal bowel habits can vary from person to person.
- To keep proper bowel habits, drink plenty of water, eat or take fiber, and do not strain to have a bowel movement. Constipation can be associated or cause other problems like urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or pelvic pain.
- A pelvic floor physical therapist can help with these symptoms, teach proper bowel and bladder habits, and help strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles.
Painful Sex
- Painful sex is never normal. 52%of women up to six months post-breast cancer treatment report sexual dysfunction and 19-26% continue to report sexual dysfunction 5 to 10 years after their diagnosis.
- Painful sex can be caused by decreased lubrication, hormone changes, muscle tightness, joint dysfunction, muscle weakness or imbalances and nerve entrapment.
- A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate and treat your symptoms and give a specialized exercise and stretching program to improve sexual function
If you are experiencing any of the issues we discussed please know that you are not alone. There are interventions and treatments available to help. Ask your medical practitioner to refer you to a pelvic physical therapist to get you back on the path to good pelvic health. You can schedule a FREE discovery session to talk to one of our pelvic floor therapist’s one:one to discuss what you are experiencing.
