Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction

Also known as high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction, previously vaginismus, hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction refers to the pain caused by involuntary spasms in the muscles that surround the vagina.

What is hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction?

Hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is caused by tightness in the pelvic floor muscles or the “levator ani complex.” This area of taut muscle bands can cause spasms, which decrease blood flow and oxygenation, increases lactic acid, and causes pelvic pain.

A woman sitting outside with eyes closed

Causes

There is no clear cause of hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Still, contributing factors may include:

Anxiety
Stress
Hip or low back injury
Holding urine
Excessive core-strengthening exercises
Physical or psychological trauma

Symptoms of hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

The following are some of the most common symptoms of hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction:

Sensations of burning, rawness, throbbing, stabbing, or aching in the vagina
Urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and incomplete emptying of the bladder
Pain during intercourse or inability to have penetrative sex
Hemorrhoids or rectal fissures (tears in the anal area)
Low back and hip pain
Constipation

How is hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction diagnosed?

If you suffer from extreme pain related to muscle spasms, an examination will reveal the cause of your condition. The examination will include a visual inspection of the area to see how easily you can contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles, along with a digital rectal exam and vaginal pelvic exam.

When you work with Dr. Bahlani at her private clinic, you can expect total discretion, personalized care, and understanding rarely found in medical professionals. She forges a positive patient-doctor relationship that is a collaborative partnership, working closely with each patient, focused on helping them achieve their goals for the quality of life they want and deserve.

Preventions

Unfortunately, we cannot treat pelvic floor muscle dysfunction until symptoms are present. However, recovery is possible with early detection and intervention. Treatment for hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction may include a combination of techniques. Your pelvic pain specialist may recommend the following:

Pelvic floor physical therapy
Yoga
Muscle relaxants
Warm baths
Behavioral health approaches
BOTOX injections
Trigger point injections

Your journey to a better quality of life starts here.

It can be difficult to discuss or even describe the extent of the pain experienced due to vaginismus. When speaking with Dr. Bahlani, you will work with a pelvic pain specialist who thoroughly understands the condition, has treated it successfully countless times, and will talk to you openly, honestly, and compassionately. At Pelvic Pain Doc in NYC, the entire focus of this boutique concierge clinic is pelvic pain. Not only has Dr. Bahlani seen it all, but she has also developed treatment protocols that finally bring her patients the relief they deserve.

Why choose us?

At Pelvic Pain Doc, you will be treated by one of the few pelvic pain specialists in the NYC area. Dr. Sonia Bahlani has garnered a reputation for excellence in successfully treating a range of pelvic pain issues, including hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. She is the author of ”Dr. Sonia’s Guide to Navigating Pelvic Pain” and is often called on as a guest on TV and health-related informational podcasts.

Beyond her fellowship training in treating pelvic floor disorders in New York, her approach is compassionate, caring, and dedicated to helping patients achieve a better quality of life, free from the struggles associated with pelvic pain. Her clinic was established to provide the highest quality of care, with the mission to empower patients with the tools to control their pain and not have their pain control them. Contact us today to learn more.