Looking after pelvic health is an essential part of female wellness, but it is often misunderstood or overlooked. It’s time to focus on the importance of maintaining pelvic floor function for all women. This article will explain what pelvic health is, what can be done to keep it in check, and how it affects women’s wellbeing. So embrace the pelvic power and start looking after your pelvic health today!

1. Treating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – What’s Involved?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be a difficult and uncomfortable condition to deal with, but thankfully, there are a variety of treatment options available. These treatments are designed to address the underlying cause of the dysfunction and can lead to long-term relief or improvement.

Here’s what’s involved in treating pelvic floor dysfunction:

• Physiotherapy – This type of therapy focuses on strengthening the pelvic muscles and improving their control and coordination. Through muscle-strengthening exercises, manual therapy and biofeedback, physiotherapy can help to reduce pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms.
• Medication – Medicines such as antispasmodics or muscle relaxants, anticholinergics, and antidepressant drugs can be prescribed to help reduce pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms.
• Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair muscle damage or to remove scar tissue. This type of surgery is usually done under general anesthesia and the recovery time can vary depending on the type of procedure performed.

Depending on the underlying cause of your pelvic floor dysfunction, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments that are tailored to your individual needs. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and continue with the treatment plan to get the best results.

2. Uncovering the Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem faced by many women around the world. Unfortunately, the causes of this dysfunction can often go undiagnosed and untreated, but understanding them can be crucial in getting the right type of relief. Here are some common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction:

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during and after menopause can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor, leading to a deficiency in bladder control and increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Deliveries and childbirth: Childbirth and delivery can be a traumatic experience for the body, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction. This is especially true for women who have had more than one delivery, as multiple pregnancies and deliveries can cause significant damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor.
• Weight gain: Carrying too much weight can put unnecessary strain on the muscles of the pelvic floor and may cause them to weaken over time. Even a slight gain in weight can have a noticeable impact on bladder control, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
• Muscle imbalance: The pelvic floor muscles are like any other muscle in the body and can become imbalanced over time. This can cause the muscles to become weak and ineffective, leading to the development of pelvic floor dysfunction.

In some cases, pelvic floor dysfunction can even be caused by anatomical abnormalities or conditions such as endometriosis. Such conditions should be discussed with a doctor to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction can vary depending on the cause, so understanding the underlying cause is essential for finding the right relief.

3. Re-establishing Pelvic Floor Function Through Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be an effective way to treat a weak pelvic floor. When you take a holistic approach to your overall health, physical therapy can have a positive impact on your pelvic floor muscles.

• Strengthening Exercises: A physical therapist can help you develop a personalized plan of strengthening exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This might include kegel exercises, yoga, and other practices designed to help increase mobility and stability.
• Postural Correction: Your physical therapist will also assess your posture and habits in order to identify any sources of pelvic floor dysfunction. They may then suggest changes in your posture, movements, and lifestyle habits that can help restore proper pelvic floor function.
• Manual Therapies: Manual therapies such as myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and other similar approaches can help unblock stored tension in the pelvic floor muscles. These methods can be particularly helpful if tightness or discomfort has been suppressing normal muscle movement.

Overall, pelvic floor physical therapy can be an effective way to restore normal function and reduce the symptoms associated with a weak pelvic floor. If you think physical therapy may be the right option for you, make sure to speak to your physical therapist to discuss the right treatment plan for your individual situation.

4. Taking a Holistic Approach to Pelvic Health

For optimal pelvic health, it’s important to take a holistic approach that considers physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are 4 tips to promote overall pelvic health:

• Exercise: Regular exercise can reduce chronic pelvic pain and improve bladder and bowel function. Try walking, swimming, or engaging in gentle stretches.
• Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can have a positive effect on pelvic health by reducing stress and improving circulation.
• Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet that is low in processed sugar and high in fibre can reduce symptoms of pelvic disorders, such as constipation and bloating.
• Seek Professional Help: If symptoms persist or get worse, it’s important to speak to a medical professional about your pelvic health.

By addressing our physical, mental, and emotional health, we can have a positive impact on our pelvic health. Taking preventative steps like the ones listed above can help us stay healthy and keep our pelvic area functioning well.

If you’re concerned about pelvic health, consider seeing a healthcare provider for a thorough assessment. They can provide advice about how to best support your overall wellbeing.

5. Reaping the Benefits of Improved Pelvic Health

Having improved pelvic health brings a host of benefits that can be reaped.

• Better bladder control – You won’t have to worry about the constant urge to go to the bathroom, as your bladder control will be improved.
• Reduced pain – Improved pelvic health can help to reduce chronic pain in the pelvic area and lower back.
• Decreased risk of prolapse – The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting the organs within the pelvis, so increased strength can help to decrease the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Increase sexual satisfaction – Improved pelvic health can help to increase sexual arousal and satisfaction.

By making a commitment to improved pelvic health, you will be able to reap a range of rewards that can have a lasting positive effect on your life. Whether you’re looking to improve bladder control, reduce pelvic pain, or increase your libido, improved pelvic health can make a huge difference.

Prioritising your pelvic health is the first step in making sure that you can reap the rewards that come with improved pelvic health. There are a variety of pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes that can help to improve pelvic health, and making a commitment to these changes can make a world of difference.

We have come to the end of our exploration of the importance of pelvic health for women. All women should make it a goal to take proactive steps to keep their pelvic floor functioning. With the knowledge that we have gained, we are now all equipped to take on this journey and treat ourselves to a healthy pelvic floor journey. After all, our power is in our pelvic floor!