Levator ani syndrome: causes, symptoms, treatment, etc.

Definition

What is levator ani syndrome?

Levator ani syndrome is a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles tighten and cannot relax. The pelvic floor is the muscle that supports the rectum and urethra. In women, this muscle also supports the jaw and vagina. Levator ani syndrome is a long-term disease and is usually characterized by pain in the anus and rectum.

How common is levator ani syndrome?

Levator ani syndrome is more common in women. This disease, also known as levator syndrome, is estimated to occur in 7.4 percent of women and 5.7 percent of the population. More than half of people with levator ani syndrome are 30-60 years old. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Cause

What are the symptoms of levator ani syndrome?

Patients with Levator syndrome will usually experience the following symptoms:

1. Pain

The sufferer will feel pain in the anus, but it is not caused by defecating. The pain is sometimes brief, sometimes goes away and goes away, sometimes it can last several hours or days. The pain can also be worse when you sit or lie down. Pain usually occurs at the top of the rectum, and one side (usually the left) will feel more painful when pressed.

You can also experience lower back pain that radiates to the pelvic area and groin, even in men the pain can be felt to the prostate, testicles, and tip of the penis and urethra.

2. Impaired urination and defecation

You may experience constipation or even have difficulty passing stools. Sometimes this symptom also feels like incomplete bowel movements. Other symptoms associated with passing stool:

• Bloated
• Often feel the urge to urinate, but the urine is difficult to pass
• Bladder pain, or pain when urinating
• Urinary incontinence (unable to hold urine)

3. Sexual problems

In women, levator ani syndrome can also cause pain before, during, or after sex. In men, this disease can cause pain during ejaculation, or even cause premature ejaculation or impotence.

There may be symptoms not listed above. Consult your doctor for information about other symptoms.

Cause

What causes levator ani syndrome?

The cause of levator syndrome is not certain, but there are several things that are believed to increase your risk of developing this condition, namely:

• Stifling frequent urination or bowel movements
• You have vaginal shrinkage or vulvar pain (vulvodynia)
• Continue to have sex even though it hurts
• Injury to the pelvic floor from surgery or trauma, including sexual abuse
• You have another disease that causes chronic pelvic pain, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), endometriosis, or interstitial cystitis.

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose levator ani syndrome?

The diagnosis of levator ani syndrome is done by ensuring that your condition is not caused by another disease that has similar symptoms. Usually done in the following ways:

1. Physical examination

Your doctor will likely diagnose you with levator syndrome if:

• You feel pain in the rectum that lasts for at least 20 minutes
• You feel a sharp pain when the levator muscle is pressed

2. Tests

Some of the tests that may be done to diagnose levator ani syndrome are:

• Examination of stool samples
• Blood test
• Endoscopic procedures
• Imaging test

Which test you should undergo usually depends on the doctor's decision, as needed for your condition.

Treatment

The information below cannot be used as a substitute for a medical consultation. ALWAYS consult your doctor for information about medications.

How to treat Levator Ani Syndrome?

Some of the treatment options for levator ani syndrome are:

• Physical therapy. Physical therapy such as pelvic massage can reduce spasms and cramps in the pelvic floor muscles.
• Electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS). The doctor will insert a device through the anus to deliver electrical stimulation. This method has proven to be more effective than physical therapy.
• Biofeedback. This technique uses a special tool to measure muscle activity while you are exercising. From the results you get, you can learn to control or relax certain muscles to reduce pain.
• Botox injections. Not only to reduce wrinkles on the face, Botox has long been studied as a treatment for levator syndrome. Two different studies found that muscle spasms stopped after Botox injections.
• Other treatment. Other types of treatment your doctor may recommend are muscle relaxants, pain medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin, acupuncture, nerve stimulation, and sex therapy to treat symptoms that affect your sex life.

Home remedies

What can I do to treat the symptoms of levator ani syndrome?

If you have levator ani syndrome, the following ways can be done to relieve the symptoms:

Soak in warm water

How:

• Fill a bucket with warm (not hot) water then squat or sit down so that your anus is submerged for 10-15 minutes.
• After that, dry your body by patting the towel. Avoid rubbing the towel dry as this will cause irritation.

Sit on a donut pillow

Some sufferers report that sitting on a pillow with a hole in the middle (like a donut) can reduce pressure on the anus and reduce pain.

Passing wind or defecating

Muscle spasms in people with levator ani syndrome usually go away after you pass a gas or pass a bowel movement.

Sports

Some exercises to loosen pelvic floor muscles that are too tight:

Deep squats

1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, then hold on to a stable object such as a bench or table.
2. Slowly lower your buttocks closer to the floor, keeping your knees from extending beyond your fingertips. Hold for 30 seconds.
3. Repeat five times a day.

Happy baby

1. Lie on your back on a mattress or yoga mat on the floor.
2. Bend your knees so that your thighs are against your chest, and your feet are facing the ceiling.
3. Grip the soles of the feet or ankles with your hands.
4. Slowly spread your legs beyond the width of your hips.
5. Hold for 30 seconds.
6. Repeat 5-6 times a day.

Legs up the wall

1. Lie with your feet lifted up, heels resting against the wall. Keep your feet relaxed.
2. If you feel more comfortable with your legs wide apart instead of tight, do this.
3. Hold for 3-5 minutes.

In addition, routine Kegel exercises can also help relieve the symptoms of levator ani syndrome.

Please consult your doctor for more information.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.