What Happens at a Pelvic Floor Internal Exam?

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I have specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic region. I work with people of all genders to address a variety of issues, including: urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction...

A pelvic floor internal exam is a type of physical examination that is performed by a pelvic floor physical therapist to assess the function and health of your pelvic floor muscles. This exam is conducted in a private, comfortable setting and is performed with your informed consent. Typically it involves insertion of a gloved finger into the vagina or rectum to feel the strength, tone, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.

So you had a baby and are now having bouts of incontinence. Or maybe you’ve always had pain during sexual intercourse but didn’t realize this was abnormal. Or you’ve had chronic low back pain that hasn't resolved from traditional PT. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects people of all ages and genders and can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. Typically it leads to issues that are uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), you probably have many questions that your doctor didn't have time to answer during your 15 minute appointment. So let's start with the most obvious question: What is it? PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that affects 1 in 10 reproductive-aged women. Some common sign and symptoms of PCOS include missed or irregular periods, excess bodily hair, acne, weight gain, infertility and pelvic pain.

I would like to talk about a topic that's not always easy to talk about, but is so very important. Dyspareunia or painful sex is something that many women experience. Although it's not something that we just have to put up with. And no, just drinking a glass of wine and trying to relax is NOT the answer. There are things you can do to address the problem. One of the most helpful things is pelvic floor physical therapy.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I get this question a lot. Although diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) can affect anyone, I see it most often in clients who are pregnant or have been pregnant. Unfortunately, I hear so many women telling me that their health care provider told them the only way to treat a DRA is through surgery. I’m here to bust that myth.

Every Tuesday at noon from May 16th to June 13th, I will be teaching a one-hour postpartum recovery class in Denver, Colorado that includes both education and exercise. This class is made for birthing persons ranging from 1-week postpartum to 5-years postpartum! I will cover topics like pelvic floor healing, leaking, prolapse, painful sex, diastasis recti, constipation, and much more.

Every Wednesday at 5:00pm from May 17th to June 14th, I will be teaching a one-hour pregnancy prep class that includes both education and exercise. Whatever stage of pregnancy you may be in, this class will help you understand the physical changes happening within your body. I will cover topics like push prep, perineal massage, your pelvis during labor and birth, low back pain, constipation, painful sex, and more.

September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) awareness month. PCOS is a complex, multi-systemic condition that affects as many as 10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is a significant endocrine, metabolic, gynecologic condition that goes undiagnosed ~50% of the time, therefore goes untreated about 50% of the time. Some common signs and symptoms include missed or irregular periods, excess bodily hair, acne, weight gain, infertility and pelvic pain.

Breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide, leaving a profound impact on their physical and emotional well-being before, during and after treatment. While they are necessary for curing breast cancer, treatment like chemotherapy, radiation treatment or hormone therapy can have significant side effects. Common side effects and symptoms include pain, cancer-related fatigue, lymphedema, muscle weakness, peripheral neuropathy, and brain fog. 

In the womens’ health and pelvic health worlds, there is a growing recognition of the importance of holistic approaches to address various issues, from pelvic pain and congestion to the challenges of peri/menopause and postpartum recovery. One of my favorite tools to implement for these concerns is hypopressives ("hypos" for short) and specifically the Low Pressure Fitness (LPF) movement system.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I have seen and treated a number of women transitioning into menopause- whether they are in their early stages of perimenopause (this can range from a couple years to ten years) or have officially gone 12 months without a period (the technical definition for entering menopause). Going through menopause can be an extremely transformational time that I find most women are not well educated on.