Let’s Talk Pelvic Health

Pelvic health is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most crucial aspects of a woman’s overall well-being. The pelvic floor muscles and tissues support vital organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowel, helping with posture, continence, and sexual function. When these muscles are weak, tight, or injured, a wide range of symptoms can occur, including discomfort and pain[5]. Despite how fundamental the pelvic floor is to everyday health, it is a topic many people know little about. Many ignore symptoms or assume they are a normal part of aging, menstruation, or childbirth. In reality, issues like bladder leakage, pelvic pressure, or pain are common but not normal in all cases. Most issues can be treated or prevented with proper awareness and care.

Understanding The Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a network of muscles that stretches across the base of the pelvis. These muscles control bladder and bowel function, stabilize the spine, and play a role in sexual health. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects approximately one in three women during their lifetime [2]. Dysfunction can include:

• Urinary leakage or urgency

• Pelvic heaviness or pressure

• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)

• Constipation/straining

• Lower back or hip pain

The pelvic floor can undergo many changes throughout a lifetime. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and added pressure can weaken the pelvic floor [6]. After childbirth, muscle strain or injury without rehabilitation can cause issues like incontinence or prolapse[2]. In menopause, lower estrogen levels can thin pelvic tissues and reduce elasticity, leading to dryness or discomfort [5]. Awareness and proactive care during these transitions can protect long-term pelvic function. Many of these symptoms can also be treated or prevented through physiotherapy and lifestyle changes.

What is Pelvic Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on restoring the function and strength of pelvic muscles. A trained physiotherapist performs a thorough assessment to do internal and external muscle checks to design a personalized treatment plan. The evaluation helps the physiotherapist determine whether the pelvic floor needs strengthening, relaxation, or retraining. Strategies that could be a part of a treatment plan are[4]:

• Kegels = exercises that build strength and endurance 

• Relaxation techniques = used when muscles are too tight

• Manual therapy = hands-on technique for muscle tension or pelvic alignment

• Mind-body integration = incorporating mindfulness and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce stress-related tension[3]

Research shows that pelvic floor exercise, such as kegels, and physiotherapy can improve the strength of the pelvic floor in most women when done consistently[4]. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends pelvic floor exercises and therapy as first-line treatments for postpartum and menopausal pelvic symptoms [1], showing how pelvic physiotherapy is effective for a range of conditions. Importantly, pelvic physiotherapy is non-invasive, gentle, and rooted in body awareness. It empowers women to take an active role in their pelvic health!

Empowerment Through Awareness and Healing

By learning how to properly take care of the pelvic floor, individuals gain greater control over their health, posture, and comfort. Moreover, open conversations and education about pelvic health are essential to breaking long-standing stigmas surrounding women’s bodies. Many people grow up believing symptoms like bladder leakage, pain during intimacy, or postpartum discomfort are things that they simply live with. However, with education about our pelvic health, we are empowered to recognize these symptoms as valid, treatable, and preventable. Open conversations, education, and access to pelvic health resources, such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, can empower women to take charge of their health and prioritize comfort and confidence!

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Committee Opinion No. 736: Optimizing postpartum care. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/optimizing-postpartum-care

2. BMC Public Health. (2023). Pelvic floor dysfunction: Prevalence and associated factors. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-16901-3

3. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy. (2021). Mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pelvic pain. https://journals.lww.com/jwhpt

4. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises/art-20045283

5. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Pelvic floor disorders. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/pelvicfloordisorders.html

6. UChicago Medicine. (n.d.). Pelvic floor disorders. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/obgyn/urogynecology/pelvic-floor-disorders