Houston Sex Therapist Emily deAyala Joins Pelvic Health Center

The Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center, a team of pelvic floor specialists in Texas, has announced the addition of Houston sex therapist Emily deAyala to its practice. PHPTC hopes welcoming Emily will enhance their ability to provide quality, well-rounded care to their patients by extending their expertise in sexual dysfunction treatment and therapy.

Emily deAyala, a marriage and family therapist, has announced she will be joining the Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center to provide sex therapy in Houston. PHPTC is a group of pelvic floor and pelvic health specialists with services in pelvic muscle rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain management, and other treatments for pelvic and sexual conditions. Emily, a Certified Sex Therapist, says she is excited about joining the practice and increasing her ability to offer high quality care in the treatment of sexual dysfunction at the pelvic health center.

As a subspecialty of psychotherapy, sex therapy focuses on the treatment of sexual dysfunction and other specific conditions related to human sexuality and relationships including desire, arousal, difficulty with orgasm, sexual pain, and other issues. Sex therapy hinges on individual as well as couples and relationship counseling to address patient concerns and find the proper course of action for treatment. Emily says her goal in joining the PHPTC is to enhance her services by ensuring the best use of patients’ time and working with a team of specialists to provide more comprehensive care in the treatment of pelvic and psychological conditions affecting sexual health. “I feel fortunate to be surrounded by a team of experts in the field. The team I work with is always open to new ideas and we constantly work together to expand our knowledge base.”

Emily says she hopes partnering with an experienced, full-service pelvic health center such as the PHPTC will ultimately improve the quality of care patients receive, and assist in restoring her patients’ comfort in their sexuality and relationships. She also adds that she is eager for the opportunity to continue developing her methods and therapy practice throughout the transition to her new home. “I am thrilled to be working with a team that values continuing education as much as I do. Going to conferences together and learning the latest technologies, theories, and modalities keeps us on the cutting edge of care.”

About Emily deAyala, MA

Emily deAyala received her undergraduate degree in Psychology with honors from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University, with a dual emphasis in marriage and family therapy and licensed professional counseling. She is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists as well as the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. As a psychotherapist at The Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center, Emily currently serves as the Texas Section leader for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Her services include individual and relationship/couples counseling and the treatment of orgasmic disorders, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, sexual orientation, sexual addiction, and many other sexual and relationship concerns.

About the Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center

The Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center is a division of the Colorectal Surgical Associates focused on evaluating and restoring pelvic health through therapy and rehabilitation. It also provides dietary counseling, stress management, and treatment for urinary and bladder dysfunction and bowel and fecal disorders.

Located at 7900 Fannin, Suite 1200 in Houston, TX, the Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center can be contacted at (713) 790-0600. It can also be reached online via the website pelvichealthcenter.com or facebook.com/pages/Pelvic-Health-and-Physical-Therapy-Center/159260407423834.

###

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic physical therapy has many options. Here are some examples of some choices available for you:

• RPE or Rating of Perceived Exertion:  This is a test that aids physical therapists determine how much physical endurance you can handle.
• Flexibility Program:  This is where you stretch to relieve joint stiffness and pain. It also enhances normal everyday activity, mobility, independence, posture, muscle balance and aids in prevention of injury.
• Massage therapy:  Massage therapy works to remove toxins that build up in the muscles, especially if lymph nodes have been removed.
• Kegal exercises:  These are also known as pelvic floor exercises and are the most commonly used physical therapy for strengthening and toning the pelvic floor muscles.

Following Up After Pelvic Floor Surgery

It is also important to make sure that you keep all of your follow up appointments with your Houston colorectal surgeon. These appointments are to address any concerns you may have, new or old symptoms and to check for any warning signs of infection or recurring cancer. You should let your doctor know the following:

• Symptoms that you think may point to the cancer recurring
• Pain
• Problems with fatigue, bladder, bowel and sexual function
• Problems concentrating, memory loss, insomnia, weight issues
• Any additional medicines, supplements or vitamins you are taking
• If you are experiencing depression or anxiety
• Any changes to your family medical history, especially any new cancer

After cancer treatment is completed

Once you have completed your after care it is important to have a complete record of your cancer treatment. Make sure you have the following information:

• Diagnostic test results
• Diagnosis of specific cancer
• The date of your diagnosis
• All of the places and dates of your cancer treatments including the names of the medications, the doses of said medication, chemotherapy and radiation dates and places
• Any side effects or complications
• Any care given for pain, nausea, emotional support and nutritional supplements

Having pelvic floor surgery does not mean a person must resign themselves to their weakened condition.  After proper healing has taken place and upon the colorectal surgeon’s recommendation, careful physical therapy by providers certified in this specific discipline can help patients to restore much of their preoperative pelvic function.  This, coupled with new advances in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery help ensure the greatest retained pelvic function possible.

After a prostatectomy you will be required to take some down time. Your Houston colorectal surgeon will create a follow-up plan specifically for you. It is important for your full recovery to follow this plan carefully.

Special diet

Right after your prostatectomy surgery you will need to be on a clear diet for the first few days until you have a good bowel movement. This will include foods such as: Jello, water, broth, juices and herbal teas. Once you have a bowel movement that is soft and passes easily without any difficulty, that resembles bowel movements you had prior to surgery you can go to a more normal diet. If you suffer from constipation for more than 24 hours after your surgery, call your doctor. Your Houston colorectal surgeon may recommend taking milk of magnesia or a suppository.

If you had an unhealthy diet before surgery with foods high in fat and cholesterol with few fruits, vegetables and low in fiber, you will need to change the way you eat. It is important to have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This kind of diet helps speed recovery time and benefits overall health.

Reproductive process

Due to damage to the surrounding structures and nerves, some men find that they become impotent after a prostatectomy. The prostate is an important part of the reproductive process. Not only does it store and secrete a fluid that makes up over 30% of the consistency of semen, but it also pushes the semen out during ejaculation. After a prostatectomy, pregnancy  may not be an unattainable goal. With the proper procedure such as robotic-assisted laser surgery, the ejaculatory duct is more likely to remain intact, fewer nerves are damaged, and sperm can still be released and pregnancy achieved.

Other pelvic processes affected

You have other medical problems after your prostatectomy such as loss of pelvic function, urinary incontinence, damage to the urethra or damage to the rectum.

Post-Prostatectomy Physical therapy

Houston pelvic health providers encourage their patients to go to pelvic physical therapy. Physical therapy after prostatectomy will include pelvic muscle strengthening. One of the most used therapies to achieve this is through Kegal exercises or pelvic floor exercises (PFE). Make sure your physical therapist is trained in pelvic therapy.

Even the best medical care cannot always prevent pelvic surgery.   Childbirth inflicts heavy wear and tear on pelvic muscles and organs.  Multiple pregnancies weaken pelvic muscles until they no longer can function properly and only with surgical help can the organs they support be restored to their proper place.  Cancers such as colon, rectal and prostate result in surgery which by their nature injures the pelvic floor structures.

Most often, when faced with such a prospect, we focus on what happens before and during the surgery, but often give events beyond the operating room little thought.  However, understanding the recovery process and your control of it is equally if not more important than what happens before.

What happens directly after surgery

Directly after surgery you will be taken to the recovery room where the nurses will care for you while the anesthesia wears off. This can take up to two hours. Make certain to let the nurses know how you are feeling so that they can help solve any problems and help make you more comfortable. If spinal anesthesia was used your legs may be numb for a while. Feeling in your abdomen and legs will return after time. Depending on whether you had laparoscopic surgery or traditional surgery, you may stay in the hospital as short as overnight or for over a week. Be sure to let the nurses and doctor know if you are feeling abnormal or if something doesn’t feel right.

Going home

Make sure you have a ride home from the hospital. Pay close attention to all the instructions and information the doctor and nurses give you and follow them. Take care not to participate in anything strenuous and take your time in returning to normal activities. Contact your physician is anything feels wrong or you are showing sign of infection or bleeding.

After care

It is important to understand your limitations after your surgery. While some patients are able to get back to their daily routines right away, that is not the way it is with everyone. Each patient is different, so it stands to reason that each recovery process will be different. It may take weeks to get back to your normal routine and activities. Even longer before you can work and travel. It could also take some work until you feel like your old self again.

Houston pelvic health providers find that after pelvic surgery for such conditions as uterine prolapsed, uterine suspension, bladder prolapsed and bladder suspension, pelvic muscle training is very helpful in the recovery process. Pelvic physical therapy in Houston has many different therapies that aid in strengthening and toning the pelvic floor muscles. Kegal exercises or pelvic floor exercises (PFE) are the most common first step therapy used by physical therapists. Biofeedback, muscle retraining and manual therapy are also used with good results. Your physical therapist will take a medical history, listen to your concerns and list your symptoms then give you an exam to see what therapy will be right for you.

Pelvic surgery is not a pleasant prospect, but understanding the process and knowing your post-surgical options puts you in control of your recovery.   Before your pelvic surgery, discuss with your Houston colorectal surgeon or pelvic floor physical therapist steps you can take both before and after surgery to ensure that your recovery is complete and you gain the maximum benefit possible from your surgery.

• Bladder Incontinence
• Stress incontinence: the urethra and sphincter do not fully close allowing for frequent accidents without warning.
• Urge incontinence: overactive bladder
• Overflow incontinence: bladder does not empty well
• Reflex incontinence: the bladder and sphincter have no sensation of when to go
• Functional incontinence: unable to get to the bathroom in time
• Enuresis: loss of urine without stress or sensation
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Cystocele: bladder protrudes into the vagina
• Rectocele: wall of the rectum goes into the wall of the vagina
• Urethrocele: vaginal and urethral tissues weaken to where the urethra pushes into the vagina
• Uterine prolapse: uterus slips into the vagina
• Enterocele: organs bulge through the vagina
• Pelvic pain: with pelvic pain the pelvic floor stays tensed which results in pain.

These are the most common disorders after childbirth.

What treatments are available

In the most severe cases, surgery by a Houston colorectal surgeon must be performed. For mild or moderate cases, colon surgeons in Houston recommend different types of medical treatment along with pelvic muscle physical therapy.

Regaining tone after childbirth is essential for good pelvic health. Pelvic muscle strengthening can be achieved in several ways. The trick is finding the best method for you. The first step is finding a pelvic floor physical therapist. A pelvic floor physical therapist is trained to assist women throughout their pregnancy and the childbirth process. This can greatly reduce the amount of stress and injury during pregnancy and birth.

The physical therapist will take a thorough history and list any symptoms and concerns. Then they may run a series of tests and exams to see where you need help. Kegal exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises or PFE, are the most commonly used physical therapy to strengthen and tone the pelvic floor, though they may not be the exact therapy right for each woman as every woman’s body is different.

Biofeedback, a device that isolates the pelvic floor muscles, can relax muscles, help retrain breathing patterns and increase contraction and relaxation of the bladder. NMES is another electrical device which works to reeducate the muscles.

Other therapies include:

Manual therapy

• Exercise
• Posture training
• Scar tissue release
• Joint mobilization
• Connective tissue realignment
• Myofascial release

Pregnancy and childbirth are a great strain on a woman’s body, but like the excess weight, the change does not have to be permanent.  With the proper exercises both during pregnancy to maximize pelvic floor strength and resiliency, and after delivery to restore pelvic floor muscles to full health, problems such as uterine prolapse, bladder incontinence, and rectocele can be avoided.  If you are recovering from pregnancy, consult your Houston colorectal surgeon to take the first steps toward better pelvic floor health.

Three are three stages of rectal prolapse:

• Full-thickness rectal prolapse – the entire rectum protruding through the anus -in extreme cases part of the intestine may slip out of the rectum also
• Mucosal prolapse – where the rectal mucosa, instead of the entire wall, is falling
• Internal intussusception – the rectum falls but does not complete leave the anus

The primary cause of collapse is attributed to a low fiber diet and many years of straining during bowel movements.  The condition is most common among older women and young children.

Houston rectal prolapse patients may be advised by their doctor to begin a high fiber diet and begin take medication to treat constipation along with stool softners.

If the prolapse has advanced, there may be a need for surgery.  There are two basic types of corrective surgery for rectal prolapse:

• Perineal proctectomy  - the surgeon removes the prolapsed portion of the rectum by making a n incision in the protruding section
• Abdominal or Sigmoid resection – the surgeon goes through the abdomen and removes the sigmoid colon, which is the part of the intestine closest to the rectum

Many advances have been made in rectal prolapse surgery in Houston, making the procedures more exact and post surgical recovery shorter.  A consultation with your surgeon to discuss how advanced your prolapse has become will determine what course of action if best for you.
_____________________________________________________________

Under the direction of Houston colorectal surgeons, the medical professionals at Houston’s Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center, are experts in the treatment of rectal prolapse through therapy from multiple disciplines.  For treatment of all types of pelvic organ prolapse visit the website of this pelvic health center in Houston.

Pregnancy and vaginal birth are the most common cause of cystocele.  But other factors may contribute, such as being overweight, smoking, straining with bowel movements, chronic coughing, and too much heavy lifting.  Pregnancy and childbirth put an enormous strain on the pelvic system, resulting in a breakdown and stretching of the muscles and tissues needed for adequate support of the organs in the region.

The time to make an appointment to see if you are experiencing a more advanced bladder prolapse is if you experience: a feeling of fullness or pressure in your vagina, a soft bulge comes into your vagina, a continual feeling of being unable to empty your bladder, repeated bladder infections, or pain during sex.

You may find some basic therapy can alleviate the problem.  A Houston surgeon who specializes in bladder prolapse may recommend you do Kegal floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.  He could suggest a vaginal pessary.  A pressary is a plastic or rubber ring that is inserted  in the vagina to support the bladder by pushing it back into place.  Estrogen therapy is also a non surgical approach for women after menopause.  This can be done with vaginal cream, pills, or a ring.

In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary.  The surgeon will put the bladder back into its proper place, then remove unwanted tissue and tighten the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor.  If another prolapse occurs, the surgeon may need to graft tissues to thicken the tissues and further increase support of the bladder.

If you feel any of the above discussed symptoms are a problem, contact a health care professional and see if you need treatment or might be in line for bladder prolapse surgery in Houston or elsewhere.
________________________________________________________________________

The Houston colorectal surgeons at Colorectal Surgical Associates have established the Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center to improve the pelvic health of their patients in order to avoid surgery, or to speed their recovery and restoration of function following pelvic floor surgery in Houston.

Maintenance of pelvic floor health is very important for both men and women. Poor pelvic health leads to different problems in men and women; and the best way to treat all these health problems is with physical therapy. With the help of a physical therapist, you will be able to maintain optimum pelvic health with strong pelvic floor muscles.

A pelvic health therapist will be able to help treat the following symptoms inmen: painful urination, prostatitis, burning ejaculation, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, pain with intercourse and painful scars.

Pelvic Physical Therapy for Men

In the patient’s first visit for physical therapy, the therapist will carry tests to ascertain the man’s posture, muscle flexibility, strength, stress level, pelvic and lumbar symmetry and pelvic floor muscles. The therapist will also discuss mental and emotional stress and the pain the patient goes through.

Accordingly, they will device physical therapy to help improve male pelvic health which entails a combination Manual therapy, home exercises like Kegel exercises to improve strength of pelvic floor muscles, retraining of posture and body mechanics, electrical stimulation if required, self care program that involves bladder habits and lifestyle changes.

Pelvic Health in Women

Pelvic muscle function is also an important aspect in women’s health, especially during the childbearing years. Pelvic health problems should always be consulted with doctors to ascertain the problem and the right physical therapy to treat the condition.

Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to pain, loss in bladder and bowel control, pain during sexual intercourse and other symptoms. Most factors that lead to these symptoms in women are childbirth, obesity, stress, menopause and straining while passing bowels.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help treat all these problems. Kegel exercises are taught to improve pelvic health and to treat urinary incontinence. Physical therapy relaxes and trains pelvic floor muscles. Massage also helps relax tight muscles and reduce pain.

In addition to all this, your doctor may suggest medical treatment like antidepressants, Botox injections and pain relievers for optimum pelvic health. In cases which do not respond to physical therapy and medication, surgery may be used as the final resort in restoring Houston pelvic health.

__________________________________________________________________________

The Houston colorectal surgeons at Colorectal Surgical Associates established Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center in order to provide patients the means of preventing pelvic surgery through improved pelvic muscle function, as well as to help post-surgical patients regain optimum benefits from pelvic surgery.  Pelvic floor therapy in Houston aids the recovery of both men and women who have had bladder suspension, uterine suspension, prostatectomy, and other corrective surgeries.

Kegel exercises—most women are familiar with this exercise.  During and after pregnancy most doctors recommend this for strengthening the muscles in the pelvic region that suffer so much strain during pregnancy and delivery.  You can do these sitting on the edge of chair or lying on your back, best on a hard surface.  Basically you squeeze the buttocks together, exercising the same muscles you would to stop the flow of urine. Pelvic floor exercises should be directed by a therapist to ensure you are properly working the muscles, and becoming familiar with how the muscles are working and how it can benefit you.

Biofeedback—many therapists utilize this as a means of furthering awareness.  A device is inserted and shows its feedback on a computer screen.  The therapist will use this to show you the pelvic floor muscles and how they react to different exercises. It can be used to help retrain breathing patterns. Many benefit from this visual method of understanding their pelvic floor muscles and how they work and react.

Electric Stimulation—many therapists administer this as a way of strengthening muscles.
The low level current helps to contract weakened muscles more than they are capable on their own, this will increase strength.  It also causes an increase in cellular activity the will encourage rebuilding of tissues and stimulates the weakened nerves in the area.

Seeking a Houston colorectal surgeon or pelvic physical therapist in Houston could change a woman’s life if she is suffering from pelvic disorders of any kind.  Most of these are embarrassing and well as a great disturbance in every day living.  If  therapy can be used to retrain and heal your body, and stop the aggravation of weakened pelvic muscles, the time spent in sessions are worth the effort.
_________________________________________________________________________

The Houston colorectal surgeons at Colorectal Surgical Associates established the Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center to aid their patients in achieving good pelvic muscle health.  Whether improving tone and muscle strength to prevent surgery or to speed recovery from surgery, the Houston pelvic floor physical therapists’ primary goal is to restore quality of life and as much normal pelvic function as possible to their patients.

Pelvic floor health plays a significant role in your sexuality, you may be surprised to learn. While exercise with a healthy and balanced lifestyle helps improve your sexuality, you also need to exercise pelvic floor muscles.  Pelvic floor exercises or Kegel exercise also help prevent bladder control problems, helps treat uterine prolapse, enhances prostrate and also helps women restore after giving birth.

How Kegel Exercises Help Improve Sex

Kegel exercises help a woman improve their staying power, intensifies sexual climax and even helps them become multi-orgasmic. This is because with stronger pelvic floor muscles, a woman’s vagina becomes tighter on contraction while making love. In case of men,Kkegel exercise helps give more robust erections, prolongs the act of lovemaking and gives a greater sexual experience by giving a more powerful climax.

To successfully implement Kegel exercises, one needs to first learn to pinpoint the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are basically the muscles that helps stop the flow of urine, so you can isolate these muscles by trying to stop passing urine mid-stream.

An alternative approach for women is to place their finger inside the vaginal opening and clenching their muscle tissues around it. Do not worry if the first attempt is tricky and some urine dribbles out as it only means your  muscles are weak and need fortification. This should not be done repeatedly as it can lead to urinary tract infections.

How to Perform Kegel Exercises

When you start your Kegel exercise, you have to lie down so that the muscles do not function against gravity. Once your muscles are strengthened, you can do them standing or sitting down. First you have to draw the pelvic muscle tissues and hold on to them for a count of 3, and rest for a count of 3. Do three sets of ten repeats. With experience, you can prolong the resting and holding time and include some gradual and swift contractions.

Like any other exercise routine, you have to practice and perform Kegel exercises consistently for some time before you actually realize any benefits of the exercise. You have to patiently persist t for about three to six weeks before you experience improved sexuality.

Remember that like any other muscle, your pelvic floor muscles may get tender after your workout. So do not overwork or pressure yourself into performing too much. A much better approach is to slowly and gradually increase the number of Kegel exercise repetitions.

It is not only those with a weak pelvic floor who should d o Kegel exercises. Even those who enjoy sex can do Kegel exercises for better and more enjoyment during sex and improved pelvic health.

_________________________________________________________________________

The Houston pelvic health professionals at Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy Center, are experts in multiple disciplines who aid in improving and/or restoring pelvic floor muscle function. Established by the premiere colorectal surgeons in Houston at Colorectal Surgical Associates, their goal is to help eliminate the need for uterine and bladder prolapse surgery, as well as to optimize the results for their surgical patients through the use of pelvic muscle physical therapy in Houston.