Here are some pelvic floor myths you might believe.
When it comes to our health, especially post baby, there is one topic we all wish we knew more about, but sometimes don’t dare to ask. From problems with bladder control to a lack of core strength, it often all ties into pelvic floor health.
Licensed physical therapist specializing in pelvic health, Dr. Kristina Hanson, shared some facts and dispelled some pelvic floor myths.
The Importance of Discussing Pelvic Floor Health
Dr. Hanson emphasized the need for open conversations about pelvic floor health. “Being here today gives the opportunity to create a space where people can have more of these conversations,” she said. This topic affects every woman at some point in her life, and creating a comfortable environment to discuss it is crucial.
Pelvic Floor Myths & Facts
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Only Affects Older Adults: FALSE
One common misconception is that pelvic floor dysfunction only affects older adults. “ It can affect children, constipation being a big driver that can lead to urinary urgency. All the way through your lifespan.” Dr. Hanson clarified.
She also noted that leaking is a symptom, not a diagnosis. “ As a pelvic floor specialist, it’s really important to understand what the driver is for that body in front of us that’s leading to the symptom of leaking,” Dr. Hanson said.
Doing Kegels Regularly is the Fix for Any Pelvic Floor Issue: FALSE
Another myth is that doing Kegels regularly is a one-size-fits-all fix for all pelvic floor problems. Dr. Hanson said this is not the case. “If kegels were it, then everybody would just do it,” she said.
“ The pelvic floor has five major functions. So it does a lot and it’s very connected to the nervous system,” Dr. Hanson emphasized. Understanding the root cause of issues is essential to find effective treatment.
After Having a Baby, It’s Not Normal to Expect to Leak Urine When You Laugh, Sneeze, or Exercise: TRUE
Many women believe that leaking urine when laughing, sneezing, or exercising after having a baby is normal. “ I think that we’ve come to accept that the inevitability of having children is that you’re gonna pee your pants,” Dr. Hanson said. “ These are problems that can be solved.” This misconception can lead mothers to just stop doing things that might lead to leaking, but these issues can be addressed with the right care.
Bladder Leaks are Really Just Something That Happen to Older Women, Not Younger Ones: FALSE
“ They happen across the entire lifespan,” Dr. Hanson emphasized. She mentioned that even female athletes experience leaking and aren’t reporting it to their coaches because they don’t want to be pulled from play.
One thing that affects leaking is a tightened, shortened muscle. “ People are obsessed with wanting to just tighten, tighten, tighten,” Dr. Hanson said. “But we actually need to have our pelvic floor muscles, and many of our muscles, move through a full range of motion.” Another factor is having tightness around your ribs and back.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Only Affects Urinary & Bowel Control: FALSE
Pelvic floor dysfunction is often associated solely with urinary and bowel control, but it affects much more. “Sexual dysfunction is actually a huge role of the pelvic floor, but also hip pain and back pain,” Dr. Hanson explained. This goes to show how interconnected the pelvic floor is with other body systems.
Dr. Hanson emphasized that pelvic floor issues are often overlooked when it comes to lower back and hip pain. “ If you sought care for your back pain and it’s not getting better, you might be missing a key thing, which is your pelvic floor,” she said.
That Sudden ‘Gotta-Go’ Feeling is Only Something Women Experience: FALSE
Women are three times more likely to experience urinary urgency, but men do struggle with it as well. It’s also known as key-in-the-door syndrome. “ You pull into the driveway and all of a sudden, you see the toilet, and you’ve gotta go,” Dr. Hanson explained.
Pelvic Floor Disorders Affect Many People: TRUE
Pelvic floor disorders are widespread. “ It can be issues like painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis, which, the number one most effective thing to do is to see pelvic floor therapy,” Dr. Hanson said.
“ It’s not invasive. Side effects include improved strength, coordination, and confidence,” she emphasized.
Find Dr. Hanson at upliftphw.com.
Add comment