Injuries to one’s pelvic region can be serious. At times, they can even be potentially life-threatening. For older adults, these injuries can be a particularly frequent and worrying problem that requires extensive treatment.
While assessing the available data on pelvic injuries, it becomes apparent that women may be more prone to these challenges. The risk of pelvic injuries and pain can be considerably higher in women during childbirth and after menopause.
The unfortunate problem is that many medical professionals may gaslight women with these issues. A JAMA Network Open survey highlighted dismissive comments about relaxing more or having a glass of wine to cope with pelvic disorders and pain. Many underlying threats may come forth only much later due to this tendency to sideline.
Knowing what puts you at risk and how to manage the situation is the best preparation. We have listed below three risks that can predispose some women to pelvic problems and suggested preventive/curative actions.
1. Osteoporosis-Triggered Fractures
While getting older brings up health conditions for many people, women can be particularly worse off in bone density issues. Depleting bone density and osteoporosis can raise the probability of fractures from relatively minor injuries. Pelvic fractures become a significant risk for women with severe osteoporosis.
The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care explains that women experience this problem more severely due to menopause. This natural stage is associated with a fall in estrogen levels. It can lead to a gradual loss of bone tissue. In fact, a majority of pelvic fractures in older adults are due to weakened bones. It is directly connected to osteoporosis.
You can take these steps to get control over this risk factor:
- Dietary changes: The standard recommendation is to follow a diet abundant in calcium and Vitamin D. These nutrients can promote healthy bones, preventing the onset of osteoporosis.
- Periodic health checkups: Bone diseases may not show warning signs until late. Seek professional advice and start treatment if you detect symptoms such as weak, brittle nails or even periodontal disease.
- Start medication: Medication for osteoporosis-triggered injuries can stimulate healing. It can also slow down the process of bone weakening. That way, you can avoid future incidents.
2. Using Mesh Products for Incontinence
Stress-related incontinence is not uncommon among women after giving birth. Physiological changes during pregnancy can cause this problem in many new mothers, affecting their quality of life postpartum and beyond.
Many medical professionals dismiss it as a consequence of childbirth. But one cannot deny its deep-rooted emotional repercussions. A Frontiers in Global Women’s Health research study found that incontinence impacts your general health perception, daily life activities, and sexuality.
Vaginal mesh implants have been a popular approach for managing incontinence. They are also used for pelvic organ prolapse.
However, some recent reports have uncovered a risk of infection and intense pelvic pain associated with these products. The ongoing transvaginal mesh lawsuit highlights that these products can erode into the vaginal wall, resulting in tissue damage.
Many women who have gone down this route are now voicing their concerns, hoping to warn others. TorHoerman Law highlights that the damage does not stay limited to medical expenses but also causes emotional suffering and a diminished quality of life.
The bottom line?
- Consider other, safer options for handling incontinence. For mild to moderate cases, the oft-recommended Kegels can prove beneficial.
- Try dietary changes, such as limiting caffeine and managing your fluid intake.
- Your practitioner can suggest medical devices like penile clamps.
One can expect safe but far-reaching interventions to become feasible in the future. For instance, some researchers are experimenting with transurethral laser treatment. This approach can prove useful without the danger of thermal damage to the tissue.
3. Underlying Chronic Health Issues
In some cases, women may become vulnerable to pelvic injuries due to undetected health conditions. Some chronic neurological or musculoskeletal problems have been linked to a higher risk of pelvic complications.
For example:
- Are you susceptible to falls due to mobility and poor balance? You may have a greater risk of injuries in general.
- Do you suffer from multiple comorbidities, such as diabetes and pulmonary disease? They can make it more challenging for patients to recover from pelvic fractures.
A 2023 paper in Injury, based on the Global Burden of Disease study, has some fascinating insights. It confirms that women are indeed affected more by pelvic fractures, more so in the later stages of life. The impact on their lives continues to be high, since pelvic injuries can lead to prolonged hospitalization and further complications.
This situation places everyday decisions we take into context, starting from meals to lifestyle preferences.
Consider poor posture, for instance. Harvard Health Publishing explains that slouching can increase abdominal pressure, exerting pressure on the bladder. Over time, it reduces the ability of our pelvic floor muscles. Other than aggravating digestive issues such as constipation and heartburn, it can also cause incontinence.
Yet again, preventive health checkups can recognize brewing concerns before they turn more serious. Many providers now include pelvic exams in standard packages. Besides, regular blood tests can also show indicators, such as inflammatory markers.
One may ignore pelvic health amid other health concerns, especially in one’s later years. However, these injuries are usually serious and can cause significant distress. They also involve a stressful recovery period.
Being aware of one’s risks and monitoring them actively can help avoid these problems to a large extent.
