A visit to a doctor can be nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t know what to expect. You’ve been referred to the best pelvic floor specialist in Northern Virginia for urinary incontinence or other gynecological concern, so now what? This guide will walk you through the process so you’ll feel a little more at ease during your appointment.
Why Do I Need a Specialist?
Your pelvic floor can become weak for several reasons. When that happens, it’s possible to experience unpleasant symptoms. The most common is incontinence which may be urinary or bowel, or both. You might also experience sexual dysfunction and/or vulva pain.
In serious cases, pelvic organ prolapse can occur. This is when organs supported by your pelvic muscles slide down into your vagina. This can cause not only a great deal of pain but cause emotional anguish as well.
What Can I Expect During an Appointment With a Pelvic Floor Specialist?
The goal of your appointment is to give you a proper diagnosis and determine the right course of action to take to eliminate symptoms. It is very possible that you’ll significantly benefit from physical therapy or other non-invasive treatments, though surgery may be necessary.
If you’ve been to any doctor’s appointment, then you know there is a great deal of information exchanged during your first visit.
You can expect the best pelvic floor specialist in Northern Virginia to be thorough. They’ll first want to discuss your medical history including health conditions and medications, as well as past surgeries. You’ll also need to share information about your symptoms including how long you’ve had them.
Will I Need a Physical Exam When I See a Pelvic Floor Specialist?
Yes, you will. Your specialist might want to first check your breathing pattern along with the muscles in your abdomen, back, and hips. They are assessing your muscle tone and check for diastasis recti, or separation of the rectus abdominis muscles.
The rest of your exam will be done much like a regular gynecological visit. You’ll lay back with your head supported and your feet in stirrups. Your provider will then do a visual exam of your genital area to look for signs of irritation.
Don’t be alarmed if they shine a light in this area. This is routine and is done simply so they can see better what’s going on.
Your specialist might use a gloved finger or cotton swab to check for sensitivity. You’ll be asked to contract your muscles several times in different ways so they can check for movement, strength, and integrity of your muscles.
This sounds like a lot, but believe it or not, it only takes around five to ten minutes and you’re done!
If Pelvic Floor Therapy Is Recommended, How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Along with medications and relaxation techniques, your specialist will very likely recommend pelvic floor therapy, a type of physical therapy. This is a series of specific exercises you’ll do daily to increase muscle strength and reduce your symptoms.
If you stick to your treatment plan as instructed, you may notice an improvement within two to three weeks, with the most significant results becoming noticeable within three months. However, you may need to move on to more advanced treatment if therapy isn’t helping.
Your Search for the Best Pelvic Floor Specialist in Northern Virginia Is Over, Now That You’ve Found Annandale Ob-Gyn!
It’s difficult to manage weak pelvic floor muscles on your own, and the symptoms can negatively impact your life and become embarrassing. Stop suffering, and get the comprehensive care you need now!
We encourage you to contact us at 703-642-7522 to book your appointment with one of our experienced women’s healthcare providers today. We’re here to help you find much-needed relief and reclaim your life!
