A Closer Look at IV-C Therapy for Pelvic Floor Muscle Function

To date, intravenous vitamin C therapy has been shown to be beneficial for a number of urogynecological conditions. This could be directly tied to the fact that vitamin C may support pelvic floor function and health in unique ways. 

At the Coyle Institute, Dr. Coyle and the team are continually monitoring new urogynecological developments and treatment potentials that come to light in the medical community, including IV-C therapy for pelvic floor muscle function support.  Take a closer look at IV-C therapy and how it could be beneficial for the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. 

Understanding the Pelvic Floor Muscles

The pelvic floor muscles are situated in the area between the tailbone and pubic bone and extend outward on both sides of the pelvis. This system of muscles is exceptionally vital to everyday human function. They work with other connective tissues to support your bowels, bladder and reproductive organs. Therefore, the muscles within the pelvic floor are important for everything from urination and digestion to sexual functions.

The pelvic floor muscles weaken for a number of reasons, including age, childbirth, inflammation and injury. Unfortunately, weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to a number of conditions, including urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. 

Schedule a consultation with Coyle Institute by calling 850-637-8258. 

The Role of Inflammation in Pelvic Floor Muscle Function

Inflammation lies at the root of many medical conditions and can affect an array of systematic and biological functions. However, what may come as a surprise is inflammation in the body can also have a negative impact on the muscles, including pelvic floor muscles. 

When the immune system is activated in response to any number of perceived threats, it generates inflammatory cells that are distributed throughout the body. While this inflammatory response is the body’s way of protecting itself from bacteria and healing tissues, inflammation can also become chronic and pose many risks. One specific risk of chronic inflammation is pelvic floor disorders. 

When the pelvic floor muscles are exposed to inflammatory cells for long periods, this can damage the nerves and muscle fibers in the region due to a lack of blood flow and oxygen. In turn, this can lead to everything from abnormal nerve responses to chronic pelvic pain and even weakening of the pelvic floor. 

Intravenous Vitamin C (IV-C) Therapy: An Overview

Intravenous vitamin C (IV-C) is a type of vitamin therapy that is provided directly through the veins. This allows the vitamin C to get to higher concentrations in the blood than what can be achieved when the vitamin is taken by mouth. 

The research into IV-C therapy for various illnesses and diseases is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, the therapy has been shown to potentially be beneficial for conditions like:

• Side effects related to cancer and cancer treatment 
• Post-viral chronic fatigue 
• Depression 
• Chronic pelvic pain (CPP)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections 
• Pelvic organ prolapse 

IV-C Therapy for Pelvic Floor Muscle Health

IV-C therapy may be beneficial for pelvic floor muscle health for a few different reasons. For one, IV-C therapy may play a role in combatting high levels of inflammation in the body. Two, vitamin C’s antioxidant properties counteract free radicals that could lead to oxidative stress within muscle tissues. Lastly, IV-C therapy may support the formation of collagen, which supports the continuous remodeling of the connective tissues and muscles that make up the pelvic floor.

Investigating the Potential Benefits of IV-C Therapy for Enhancing Muscle Function

Recent research has generated considerable interest in the potential impact of intravenous vitamin C therapy on muscle health. Studies have begun to elucidate vitamin C’s role in mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress and promoting muscle recovery, typically through standard means of supplement administration but at high doses. IV-C therapy allows an easier path for higher doses of the antioxidant vitamin, which could prove valuable in future clinical trials. 

For example, in a study conducted in 2006, high doses of vitamin C were shown to significantly reduce muscle soreness and oxidative stress following intense exercise. 

An animal study published in Nature in 2019 found that vitamin C supplementation in mice was able to reverse the effects of muscle wasting due to vitamin C deficiencies and enhance previously affected activity levels. 

These findings suggest that vitamin C’s antioxidant properties and involvement in collagen synthesis may contribute to its positive effects on muscle health. These benefits could be pertinent to all muscle groups, including the pelvic floor. While these studies provide initial insights, further research, particularly larger clinical trials, is warranted to comprehensively assess the potential benefits of intravenous vitamin C therapy for optimizing muscle function and recovery.

IV-C Therapy for Reducing Pelvic Pain

IV-C therapy allows for the delivery of high enough doses of the vitamin into the blood to notably reduce levels of inflammation. This inflammatory action has been shown to be beneficial for a number of conditions and could be valuable for those suffering from pain due to pelvic floor disorders. 

A handful of studies have shown that high-dose vitamin C therapy has been effective in decreasing the severity of pelvic pain. For example, a study found that women who took 1000 mg of vitamin C and 800 IU of vitamin E every day for eight weeks had a significant reduction in pelvic pain, pain during menstruation and pain during sex.  

Practical Considerations for IV-C Therapy

Before considering IV-C therapy, it’s important to be aware of several practical considerations to ensure a safe and effective experience.

Safety Considerations: Potential Side Effects and Contraindications

While IV-C therapy is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects and contraindications. Minor discomfort at the injection site, transient nausea or a feeling of warmth during the infusion are most common. More rarely, allergic reactions or more severe side effects can occur. Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disorders or a history of kidney stones, may also require careful monitoring or adjustment of the IV-C dose. Additionally, IV-C therapy may interact with certain medications.

How IV-C Therapy Is Administered

IV-C therapy involves the administration of a vitamin C solution directly into a vein through an intravenous catheter. The concentration and rate of the infusion will be determined by a healthcare professional based on your specific needs and health status. The procedure is typically performed in a medical setting under the supervision of trained medical staff. The IV-C infusion can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the prescribed dose and infusion rate.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During the IV-C infusion, you may experience a sensation of warmth or flushing as the vitamin C solution is delivered into your bloodstream. After the infusion, you might notice increased energy levels, improved mood, or a general sense of well-being. However, the effects of IV-C therapy can vary from person to person and may take time to fully manifest.

Discuss Therapeutic Treatments with Coyle Institute 

While research into IV-C therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction and pain is just getting started, there is promise in the preliminary research. At Coyle Institute, we offer IV-C therapy when we feel a patient could benefit from the treatment. If you believe IV-C therapy may be beneficial for you, reach out to Dr. Coyle and the team to schedule a consultation at 850-637-8258.