What do hemorrhoids, erectile dysfunction (ED), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) all have in common? They’re interlinked! Yes, if you have hemorrhoids, you might also experience ED, and people who have IBS can develop hemorrhoids. Okay, you might be thinking this isn’t exciting, and while we get it (pelvic floor issues can be tough) there are solutions to pelvic floor dysfunction. We go over pelvic floor dysfunction and some long-term solutions.
What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
While the medical community isn’t the biggest fan of this term since it’s so broad, we’re going to use it because it best encompasses what we’re writing about – any pelvic floor issue. Pelvic floor dysfunction is used to describe when someone has either too much tension in their pelvic floor region or not enough. It can also mean any abnormal function of the pelvic floor, an inability to control the muscles of your pelvic floor, or any kind of pain in this area of the body.
Some examples of pelvic floor dysfunction include having a tight pelvic floor that leads to rectal pain, anal fissures, and/or hemorrhoids. Another example would be having IBS, which is commonly when someone has an overactive pelvic floor or one that is tense and contracted even when that person is resting.
We’re going to go over some more pelvic floor dysfunction examples in depth and how to address and fix them below.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are more common than you think with 3 million Americans having reported having them per year. They’re swollen veins around your anus or the lower part of your rectum and can be caused by straining when you go to the restroom. Other signs of these include bleeding while taking a bowel movement or any itchy butt.
How Can You Fix Hemorrhoids?
There are a couple methods you can use to fix hemorrhoids, which we will go over. Also, be mindful of sitting on the toilet for too long and straining while pooping. We get that seems obvious, but we know a lot of people do this. Don’t scroll on Instagram on the toilet. Don’t call your mom on the john, and please don’t get lost on TikTok for an hour. Take your poop, and move on with your life. Your anus will thank you.
Here are 2 other techniques to help you out:
Hypopressive Breathing
Hypopressive breathing or “low pressure breathing” can help you find relief from hemorrhoids. You’re going to want to inhale deeply and gently into your side ribs and then exhale with a relatively relaxed abdominal wall. Don’t suck in your belly it holds tension which creates other issues long-term, like a tight pelvic floor.
Soft Tissue Release
The idea behind tissue release is to use self massaging, both internal and external massaging, to help you decrease tension you’re holding in your pelvic floor. In the MoveU Pelvic Floor program, Dr. Brittney takes you through how to do this step-by-step. This is more of an art than a science, so there will be a certain amount of experimenting with what feels good for you.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED is when a man cannot get or keep up an erection. It’s more common than you think and can be due to a wide range of factors including pelvic floor dysfunction and psychological issues. It’s estimated that half of all men in the US will experience it at some point in their lifetime.
How Do You Get Rid of ED?
To fix ED, you want to get to the root cause of the issue. While taking pills is an option, it’s not the best solution as it’s not addressing what’s going on in your body. You can try pelvic floor strengthening techniques, massaging, hypopressive breath-work, and other more holistic approaches, which we go over in the MoveU membership for long-term results.
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a long-term condition that affects the digestive system and is often accompanied by the urgent need to use the restroom. It’s often associated with bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation (which is why it can lead to hemorrhoids). Some doctors believe it’s due to a poor brain and gut connection that can cause your body to overreact to changes in the digestive process.
How Do You Resolve IBS?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to IBS or aggravate IBS. Learning how to breathe, relax your pelvic floor, and strengthen this area of the body can improve your relationship with your entire digestive system. It’s all connected after all. We recommend the MoveU Pelvic Floor program and keeping a food diary to keep track of what you’re eating and how it affects your body. If you need additional support, you can also head to a certified nutritionist that can lab test you as well.
Ready to take the first step? Sign up for MoveU Membership, we recommend starting with our Back & Core program for a strong foundation, and then moving forward with the world's first comprehensive online Pelvic Floor program (both programs are included in the monthly and annual MoveU membership bundle). Experience the power of a pain-free life, one program at a time. Join us on this transformative journey today.
