Pelvic Health Myths Debunked: What's Normal vs. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The Biggest Pelvic Health Myths DebunkeD
It’s time to stop believing the myths about your bladder, bowels, and sexual health. These common misconceptions often lead people to suffer in silence. If you are experiencing symptoms, you do not just "have to live with it." Here is the reality behind the most pervasive pelvic health myths.
Myth 1: It's Normal to Leak Urine When You Cough, Sneeze, or Laugh.
Reality: This is a very common issue, but it is unequivocally not normal. Involuntary urine leakage, medically known as urinary incontinence (specifically, Stress Urinary Incontinence), is a primary sign of pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for maintaining bladder control. If they are too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated, they can't effectively do their job, leading to leaking urine.
Myth 2: Pelvic Floor Issues Only Affect Women, Especially Those Who Have Given Birth.
Reality: Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or whether they have had children. Men have crucial pelvic floor muscles vital for urinary and bowel control and sexual function (Men's Pelvic Health). Women that have not had a baby can also experience pelvic floor dysfunction. Every human has a pelvic floor and should understand how to keep it strong and healthy.
Myth 3: Kegel Exercises are the Only Solution for Pelvic Floor Problems.
Reality: Kegels are a popular exercise, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for pelvic floor dysfunction. For many, the pelvic floor muscles are already too tight (hypertonic) or dis-coordinated, and doing more kegels can actually worsen symptoms or increase pelvic pain. The key is assessment: a specialized pelvic health physical therapist can determine whether your muscles are too weak or too tight and provide a personalized pelvic floor rehab plan that may include strengthening exercises, relaxation techniques, and other stretches.
Myth 4: Pelvic Pain is a Normal Part of Aging or Having Sex.
Reality: Pelvic pain, whether during intercourse (a condition called Dyspareunia), urination, or everyday activities, is not normal and should never be dismissed. Pain is a signal that something is wrong. It could be related to a variety of issues, including overly tense pelvic floor muscles, nerve irritation, or other underlying conditions. This type of pelvic pain is highly treatable, and you do not have to live with it.
What is Normal vs. Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Understanding the difference is the first step toward getting help.
What is Normal Pelvic Health?
Here are some good baseline characteristics indicating normal pelvic health:
You can go to the bathroom and empty your bladder and bowels without straining.
You have complete control over your urine and feces and don't leak when you laugh, sneeze, exercise, or lift something heavy.
You can have sex without pelvic pain.
You don't feel a constant sensation of pressure or heaviness in your pelvis.
Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction You Should Never Ignore
These are often called "common but NOT normal" pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms:
Incontinence: Any involuntary leakage of urine, feces, or gas (like urinary incontinence).
Pelvic Pain: Persistent or unexplained pain in the pelvic region, lower back, hips, or tailbone.
Urinary Issues: Frequent urination, a sudden and strong urge to urinate, or difficulty starting or stopping a urine stream.
Bowel Issues: Constipation, straining during bowel movements, or feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bowels.
Sexual Dysfunction: Pain during sex, or a feeling of reduced sensation.
Pelvic Pressure: A feeling of heaviness or a "bulge" in the vagina, which could be a sign of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).
If you are experiencing any of these signs, give us a call. You don’t just “have to live with it”—a pelvic health physical therapist is here to help!
Sources:
What Women Need to Know About Their Pelvic Floor
