Pelvic Floor Assessment
At Bowel Diagnostics & Therapy, our Pelvic Floor Assessment uses anorectal manometry and pelvic floor physiology testing, which are gentle, minimally invasive procedures designed to evaluate the coordination and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. These tests provide valuable insight into how the pelvic floor is functioning and help guide personalised treatment plans for a range of bowel and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Many patients experience pelvic floor issues without realising that their symptoms can be accurately assessed and successfully managed. Our goal is to make this process comfortable, supportive, and easy to understand, ensuring every patient feels confident and well-informed throughout the assessment.
What Is a Pelvic Floor Assessment?
A pelvic floor assessment measures how well the sphincter muscles and pelvic floor respond during simple movements such as resting, squeezing, and bearing down. These muscles play an essential role in bowel control, comfort, and overall bowel health.
During the test, a small, flexible probe is gently inserted a short distance into the rectum. This probe measures muscle tone, strength, and coordination. A tiny balloon attached to the probe may be inflated to assess sensation within the rectum, as sensory changes can contribute to bowel symptoms such as difficulty evacuating, urgency, or incontinence.
The procedure is carefully explained beforehand, and your practitioner will guide you through each step. Most patients describe the test as strange or unusual, but not painful.
Conditions This Assessment Helps Diagnose
Pelvic floor assessments provide essential information for diagnosing several common conditions, including:
Incontinence or leakage
Obstructed defecation syndrome
Chronic constipation
Pelvic floor dyssynergia (difficulty coordinating pelvic floor muscles)
Rectal prolapse or pressure symptoms
Anal fissures or functional pain
Post-partum pelvic floor changes
These investigations help your practitioner understand how the muscles are working and whether coordination or sensation is contributing to your gastrointestinal symptoms.
This information supports a targeted treatment plan, which may include pelvic floor physiotherapy, dietary support, behavioural retraining, or specialist assessment where necessary.
A Safe, Low-Risk and Comfortable Procedure
Pelvic floor testing is a safe and low-risk procedure. It is performed without sedation, meaning you can drive yourself to and from the appointment and resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Most patients tolerate the test very well. While the sensation may feel unfamiliar, it should not cause significant discomfort. You can request a pause at any time, and your practitioner will ensure you feel supported throughout the assessment.
If you have a latex allergy, please inform our team beforehand so that a latex-free balloon can be used.
Why a Pelvic Floor Assessment Matters
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common contributor to gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, incontinence, and difficulty evacuating. Because these symptoms can overlap with other bowel conditions, a precise assessment helps your clinician determine the exact cause and recommend the right support.
The information gained from anorectal manometry and physiology studies forms a crucial part of a comprehensive bowel health evaluation, allowing our team to design personalised treatment services that support long-term improvement and symptom relief.
Book Your Pelvic Floor Assessment
If you have questions about specialist referrals or need support managing bowel symptoms, we’re here to assist.
📞 Call 1300 888 608 for a confidential discussion
🌐 Or book an appointment online.
See our FAQ page for more information about Bowel Diagnostics & Therapy.