Pelvic Health: Why does it matter?

By Lissy Changuion

As females, our body experiences changes at different stages of life. This may be due to changes throughout pregnancy, during the postpartum period, or changes during menopause. It can be hard to know “what is normal” and what is “not normal”.

Common pelvic health concerns may include;

• bladder leakage or urgency

• faecal urgency or incontinence

• pelvic organ prolapse

• pain with intercourse, or using a tampon

• pelvic pain associated with periods

• vaginal changes due to perimenopause/menopause

Around 1 in 3 females will chat to a health professional about a pelvic health concern.

We know that actually far more than 1 in 3 experience pelvic health-related concerns. Female pelvic health topics are still not spoken about nearly enough.

Around 50% of females will live with pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse does not have to change the way you live your life, but it is essential to seek help. A pelvic floor physio can help you to understand your risk of prolapse, the likelihood of it worsening, and strategies to help support you in achieving your health and well-being goals. Some options of management may include; pelvic floor strengthening, a pessary device, managing your bladder/bowel health, modifying exercise/loading or supporting you in discussions with a Gynaecologist (Specialist Doctor) to discuss surgical options.

“So, intercourse shouldn’t be painful?”

Not at all. However, so many females experience pain with intercourse (or pain with using a tampon). One of the reasons this can be painful may be because the pelvic floor muscles are holding tension, which can cause a painful experience. A Pelvic Floor Physio can assist with down-regulating the nervous system and retraining the pelvic floor muscles.

Women make up 80% of people who report living with bladder leakage.

We should not normalise this, or let bladder leakage stop us from living our lives. Bladder leakage can be experienced for different reasons and it is not always as simple as “pelvic floor strengthening.”

We know from research that if we experience bladder leakage we are less likely to participate in exercise, which may result in weight gain, which can put additional pressure on the bladder and thus worsen symptoms of incontinence. A pelvic floor physio can work with you to determine the most appropriate line of management, with the view to support you in continuing to be involved in activities that fulfil you.

“Why did nobody tell me?”

It is important to be proactive about prioritising your pelvic health. These days there is an increasing body of evidence based education to empower and support females at all stages of their lives, pregnancy, postpartum through to peri and post-menopause. And the more we all talk about female health topics, the more we will help to improve awareness about pelvic health concerns. Luckily today we are fortunate enough to have research-based assessments and tools and it is easier to care for and treat pelvic health issues.

The Pelvic Health Clinic is passionate about improving education and access to Pelvic Floor services on the Sunshine Coast. They work collaboratively with health professionals, midwives, Obstetricians and GP’s  and they are dedicated to improving education and access to female health services within the community. Visit www.thepelvichealthphysio.com.au for more information or to book your initial pelvic floor physio appointment or your screening pilates assessment.