What Causes Pelvic Floor Disorders?

The cause of pelvic floor disorders is currently not known, but experts believe them to be a result of several contributing factors. You are more likely to have a pelvic floor disorder if you:

• Are over age 55
• Are overweight
• Are post-menopausal
• Have vaginally delivered several children
• Have had a pelvic surgery in the past
• Have a connective tissue disorder

Certain things such as having a vaginal delivery, lacking estrogen and aging most likely contribute to the development of a pelvic floor disorder. Obesity, chronic coughing (due to a lung disorder or smoking, for example), frequent straining during bowel movements and heavy lifting may also contribute to pelvic floor disorders. Any medical conditions or injuries that impact the health of nerves (such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, back surgery or spinal stenosis); and surgery or radiation for uterine, cervical or rectal cancer may result in a pelvic floor disorder. Some women are simply born with weak pelvic tissues or develop a weakening as they age.