Women, It’s time to talk about it.
Women’s health issues can be difficult to talk about. Discussing embarrassing symptoms with a partner, spouse, or doctor can be traumatic for a lot of women, causing many conditions to become chronic and difficult to treat. But that doesn’t need to be the case. Are you struggling with?
Urinary or fecal leakage
Constipation
Pain with intercourse
Bladder issues or interstitial cystitis
Bowel issues including IBS
Endometriosis
Pregnancy related issues
Postpartum pain/tearing/diastis recti/cesarian recovery
Perimenopausal changes/dysregulated sleep
Low back or hip pain
Pelvic pain of any kind
If you are experiencing these symptoms you are not alone. Nearly every woman will experience at least one of these issues at some point. When this happens, the underlying issue is the health of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in several bodily functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and stability in movement. However, issues such as pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction can have a significant impact on quality of life.
The pelvis is a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the organs within it. When these structures become weakened, strained, or imbalanced, various pelvic health issues can arise. Common conditions include pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary or fecal incontinence (leakage when you laugh, cough, or sneeze is NEVER normal!), pelvic pain syndromes, and sexual dysfunction. These conditions can affect women of all stages of life including prenatal , postpartum , and perimenopausal. Other symptoms can manifest as IBS, chronic constipation, abdominal pain, lower back and hip pain, and other issues that don’t seem to resolve with conventional treatments.
How do you know if you have a pelvic floor dysfunction?
If you have one or more of these symptoms, then you likely have a pelvic floor dysfunction and would benefit from an evaluation from a Pelvic Health Therapist:
I sometimes have pelvic pain (in genitals, perineum, pubic or bladder area, or pain with urination) that exceeds a ‘3’ on a 1-10 pain scale, with 10 being the worst pain imaginable
I can remember falling onto my tailbone, lower back, or buttocks (even in childhood)
I sometimes experience one or more of the following urinary symptoms
Accidental loss of urine
Feeling unable to completely empty my bladder
Having to void within a few minutes of a previous void
Pain or burning with urination
Difficulty starting or frequent stopping/starting of urine stream
I often or occasionally have to get up to urinate two or more times at night
I sometimes have a feeling of increased pelvic pressure or the sensation of my pelvic organs slipping down or falling out
I have a history of pain in my low back, hip, groin, or tailbone or have had sciatica
I sometimes experience one or more of the following bowel symptoms
Loss of bowel control
Feeling unable to completely empty my bowels
Straining or pain with a bowel movement
Difficulty initiating a bowel movement
I sometimes experience pain or discomfort with sexual activity or intercourse
Sexual activity increases one or more of my other symptoms
Prolonged sitting increases my symptoms
Pelvic floor dysfunction is more common than you might think. Many symptoms that women struggle with DAILY have been normalized and often become chronic if not treated. Fortunately, physical therapy effectively and holistically addresses pelvic health symptoms and typically leads to a symptom free life. If you have any of these symptoms please consider getting a consultation with a holistic women's health provider. You'll be surprised at how life changing pelvic floor therapy can be!!!
Tune in for part two coming soon to learn about the types of treatments and relief from pelvic dysfunction that Physical Therapy can provide.
Kaye Sharp, MPT, WHC, E-RYT 200
Pelvic Health Specialist and Women’s Health Coach
Owner of Sharp Ortho & Pelvic Therapy