5 Myths Regarding the Pelvic Floor

Nupur Panchal BPT – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

When we hear the term Pelvic floor related concern, we often associate the problem with pre/post pregnancy. Although pelvic floor therapy is very helpful for pre/post pregnancy, there are several other areas of focus that Pelvic Floor therapy can effectively address. Reliable and accurate information is essential as it can help dispel myths about the pelvic floor. 

​Read on to learn about the 5 most common pelvic floor myths and the truth about them.

1.Urinary Leakage is normal after pregnancy or as we age 
Most women think it is normal to leak or dribble urine after having a baby or when we get older. This isn’t true! Although it's very common, it’s not the norm and pelvic floor physiotherapy can help address these issues.
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2. Kegels will solve all my pelvic floor issues 
Not all dysfunctions are related to weakness. Often pelvic floor muscles can become too tight or hypersensitive and cause problems. In addition, research shows that without proper instruction on how to perform a Kegel correctly through vaginal palpation, the majority of women are incorrectly contracting these muscles and recruiting some of the bigger players instead (gluts, core, adductors). 

3. Only pregnant women need Pelvic floor physiotherapy 
There is a list of pelvic floor  concerns that can be addressed with pelvic floor physiotherapy, it's not limited to pregnancy related issues.  Patients are referred to PFPT when they have incontinence, difficulty with bowel movements or urination, painful intercourse, endometriosis or vaginismus and more.

4. Pain with intercourse is normal 
Pain with sex may be due to tight pelvic floor muscles and/or hypersensitivity of surrounding nerves and tissues, including scars and damage from childbirth. Again, although this is common, it is not normal!

5. My back pain is not related to my pelvic floor 
​The whole body is connected, especially the pelvis, hip and lower back. The pelvic floor is in the centre of the body, and can be the missing link in persistent lower back pain that hasn’t resolved with regular treatment.

Book an appointment with Nupur today and take a closer look at how all these areas are working together as a unit and how/if the pelvic floor is contributing to these symptoms.