Pelvic Floor Dysfunction it isn’t just for Moms: a “coles notes” explanation.
There is something about talking about “Pelvic Health” that makes people blush, however we owe it to ourselves to normalize the conversation.
To say I am passionate about Pelvic Health would be an understatement. I could write the longest blog with “all the information” on the topic. But I would lose your attention by paragraph two - so I will keep it brief. Promise.
So here is my attempt at making it straightforward and to the point when it comes to who it effects, how does it happen, what conditions may arise from it and that you don’t need to suffer from these conditions.
Though my interest in Pelvic Heath began after my first born, it certainly is NOT exclusive to anyone who’s had children. In fact, it can effect any one, at any age, for a variety of reasons such as posture, athleticism, genetics, obesity, pelvic surgery, nerve damage and yes, where I began - pregnancy and childbirth, whether it was vaginal or cesarean. Both MALES AND FEMALES can suffer from the effects of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD), though some conditions are exclusive to women. Your Pelvic Floor can be too weak OR too tense, there can be a lack of synergy between the muscles of the Core 4, it could be a new development, or it could have been there for years and only became an issue on account of an event the body experienced.
There are ways to improve the quality of your life. A study by Alison Huang of UCSF School of Medicine showed a 70% reduction of urine leakage (a common effect of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction) in participants after a 6 week Yoga for Pelvic Health Series.
So what are some conditions that may arise from PFD?
- Incontinence and Constipation- both fecal and uterine
- Diastasic Recti
- Pelvic Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Dyspareunia - painful sex
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Frequent need to empty the bowels or bladder
- Painful Urination
- and More
Go learn about your Pelvic Floor by booking an appointment with a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, even if it’s just once, especially if you are postpartum - you owe it to yourself. Knowing exactly what is going on with your pelvic floor is crucial to creating lasting, functional strength in your core so you can return and continue to safely and effectively take part in the activities you love the most.
If you need help finding a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist or would like to know more about what the appointment entails feel free to connect with me via social media, email or phone.
I am here for you.
namaste.
Dominique
