Though we still have much to learn about the long-term effects of the Covid-19 virus, we have been able to note a significant connection between Covid and subsequent manifesting pelvic health issues.
We will break down a few of these connections and let you know what to look out for if you or a loved one has had Covid.
Chronic coughing: Chronic coughing puts extended pressure on the pelvic floor leading to weakness. That weakness can lead to leakage and/or pelvic organ prolapse.
Inflammation: Covid can cause an inflammatory response in the body that leads to joint pain. When we look at pelvic floor health, we have to look at everything from the abdomen down through the inner thighs because all of those systems work together.
Pain in the low back and hip, therefore, can negatively impact pelvic floor function.
Digestion: Those who have had Covid also report digestion issues including two unpleasant ends of the spectrum: constipation and diarrhea. Lack of movement while sick (as well as with hospitalization) can also lead to constipation and pelvic floor weakness, especially if over a prolonged period.
Overall, the most common pelvic floor symptoms we see after a case of Covid-19 ranging from mild to severe are:
- Constipation
- Leakage
- Low back pain
- Hip pain
- Tailbone pain
- Pelvic pain
- Prolapse symptoms (heaviness)
If you have an underactive pelvic floor and you get Covid, you may experience new or worsening urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and/or pelvic organ prolapse.
If you have an overactive pelvic floor and you get Covid, you may experience more pelvic pain, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and defecatory dysfunction* (*don’t let the alliteration fool you, it’s no fun).
While it can really stink to get over a gross virus and then be met with some new issues and/or worsening symptoms, the good news is that these do NOT have to be your new norm and they CAN be both addressed and resolved by pelvic health PT.
This is what we do at OrthoPevic Physical therapy every day.
Curious to learn more about addressing lingering issues brought on by Covid and more? Book a FREE 10-minute consult call today. We know we can help you ✨
Be empowered in education,
OrthoPelvic Physical Therapy
