10 Surprising Facts About Pelvic Floor Health You Need To Know
By LaTonya Misters, PT, DPT, SOW & REAP Physical Therapy
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your pelvic floor very often. But this group of muscles and ligaments that support your bladder, bowel, uterus, and other organs is more important than you might realize. Your pelvic floor helps you maintain continence, sexual function, stability, and lymphatic drainage. It also plays a role in preventing pelvic organ prolapse, which is when one or more of your pelvic organs drop out of place.
Unfortunately, many people suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, which can cause a range of symptoms such as urinary or fecal incontinence, painful sex, pelvic pain, lower back pain, and more. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. But the good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunction and improve your pelvic health and wellness.
Here are 10 surprising facts about pelvic floor health that you need to know:
1. Everyone has a pelvic floor.
Yes, even men. While pelvic floor health is often associated with women, especially those who have given birth, men also have a pelvic floor that supports their bladder, prostate, and bowel. Men can also experience pelvic floor dysfunction, which can cause erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, urinary or fecal incontinence, and chronic pelvic pain.
Your pelvic floor is constantly supporting your organs, stabilizing your hips and trunk, draining fluids, and helping you control your bladder and bowel. It also contracts and relaxes during sexual activity, enhancing your pleasure and orgasm. Your pelvic floor is one of the most versatile and hard-working parts of your body.
2. Your pelvic floor is working 24/7.
3. Your pelvic floor can be too tight or too loose.
Just like Goldilocks, you want your pelvic floor to be just right: not too tight, not too loose, but balanced and flexible. A pelvic floor that is too tight can cause pain, spasms, difficulty urinating or defecating, and painful sex. A pelvic floor that is too loose can cause organ prolapse, leakage, and reduced sensation. Both scenarios can affect your physical and mental health.
Kegels are a type of pelvic floor exercise that involve squeezing and releasing your pelvic floor muscles, as if you’re trying to stop the flow of urine. Kegels can be beneficial for some people, especially those who have a weak or loose pelvic floor. But they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and they can actually be harmful for those who have a tight or overactive pelvic floor. That’s why it’s important to consult a pelvic floor specialist before starting any pelvic floor exercise program. They can assess your pelvic floor function and prescribe the best exercises for your needs.
4. Kegels are not the only pelvic floor exercise.
5. Pelvic floor exercises are not just for women.
Men can also benefit from pelvic floor exercises, especially those who have prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, or urinary or fecal incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the prostate, improve blood flow to the penis, and enhance bladder and bowel control. Pelvic floor exercises can also improve sexual performance and satisfaction for both men and women.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect your self-esteem, confidence, mood, and relationships. It can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation. It can also interfere with your daily activities, hobbies, and work. That’s why it’s important to seek help and support if you’re experiencing any pelvic floor problems. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are many resources and treatments available to help you improve your pelvic floor health and quality of life.
6. Pelvic floor health is not just a physical issue. It’s also a mental and emotional one.
7. Pelvic floor health is not a taboo topic.
It’s a normal and essential part of your health and wellness. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their pelvic floor issues, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Your pelvic floor is a natural and vital part of your body, and it deserves your attention and care. Talking openly and honestly about your pelvic floor health can help you get the information, advice, and support you need. It can also help raise awareness and reduce stigma around pelvic floor health. So don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Your pelvic floor will thank you.
It can change over time, depending on various factors such as age, hormones, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, surgery, injury, illness, and lifestyle. That’s why it’s important to monitor your pelvic floor health regularly, and seek help if you notice any changes or symptoms. Early detection and intervention can prevent or reduce the severity of pelvic floor dysfunction, and improve your outcomes and recovery.
8. Pelvic floor health is not static.
9. Pelvic floor health is not only about prevention and treatment.
It’s also about enhancement and optimization. Even if you don’t have any pelvic floor problems, you can still benefit from improving your pelvic floor health. A strong, flexible, and balanced pelvic floor can help you prevent future issues, improve your posture, stability, and core strength, boost your immune system and lymphatic drainage, and enhance your sexual function and pleasure. A healthy pelvic floor can also improve your overall health and wellness, and make you feel more confident and comfortable in your body.
It’s simple and achievable. You don’t need any fancy equipment or expensive treatments to improve your pelvic floor health. All you need is some knowledge, guidance, and motivation. By learning more about your pelvic floor, consulting a pelvic floor specialist, and following a personalized pelvic floor exercise program, you can achieve your pelvic floor health goals. You can also make some simple lifestyle changes, such as drinking enough water, eating enough fiber, avoiding constipation, managing stress, and avoiding smoking, to support your pelvic floor health.
10. Pelvic floor health is not complicated.
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