Why Pelvic Floor Health Deserves More Attention Than It Gets

For many women, pelvic floor health isn’t something that comes up until there’s a noticeable issue. However, this group of muscles and connective tissues plays a key role in how the body functions, especially after childbirth or surgery. It supports the bladder, uterus, and bowels, and when it’s not working well, the effects ripple into everyday life.

The problem is that conversations around pelvic floor health are either too clinical or completely absent. As stated by the Stanford Center on Longevity, most women suffer from this issue in silence. The primary reason behind this is that they are too embarrassed to talk about it. Many of them are not even comfortable talking about it with their doctors.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of having more conversations about pelvic health and its associated diseases.

When Surgery Seems Like the Only Option

In some cases, surgical solutions are offered as quick fixes. The options differ based on the specific pelvic organ disorder you have. For example, doctors may recommend pelvic floor reconstruction for prolapse and vaginal mesh implant for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

However, as a patient, you should discuss your options with your doctor before undergoing surgery. This will help you understand all your options and the complications of each method. Consider the example of the vaginal mesh implant, which is very effective for managing SUI. But as TorHoerman Law states, it can also lead to numerous complications, such as:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Organ perforation
• Infection
• Urinary problems, etc.

According to The Independent, a study found that transvaginal mesh can even trigger an autoimmune response despite removal. Looking at the growing concerns, many women who have used the product and faced health complications have filed a vaginal mesh lawsuit. Although many vaginal mesh lawsuits have already been settled, lawyers continue to accept new cases.

It’s Not Just a Postpartum Issue

One of the most common life phases when a woman experiences pelvic floor problems is during pregnancy. A Wiley Online Library study found that out of 208 women participating, 92.8% reported symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. This has created a misconception that these issues only arise during childbirth.

While pregnancy and delivery do put a strain on these muscles, they’re not the only factors. Chronic coughing, years of poor posture, frequent heavy lifting, and even high-impact exercise can all contribute to muscle weakness or imbalance. Hormonal changes during menopause also play a role, as the drop in estrogen can affect tissue elasticity and muscle function.

The issue is that most women aren’t given any preventative guidance. After childbirth, some are lucky enough to get a follow-up appointment, but few receive information about pelvic floor rehabilitation. For women who haven’t had children, the topic may never come up at all. So when symptoms appear, whether it’s leaking, discomfort during intimacy, or a sense of pelvic pressure, they’re often brushed off or misdiagnosed.

The Hidden Link Between Pelvic Health and Other Aches

Another reason pelvic floor dysfunction flies under the radar is that it doesn’t always show up in ways people expect. Instead of obvious pelvic symptoms, it might cause lower back pain, hip discomfort, or even tightness in the upper thighs. Thus, people often seek help from chiropractors, orthopedists, or physical therapists without realizing that the root issue may lie deeper.

The pelvic floor works alongside the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, etc., to provide stability and control. When one part of this system is out of sync, the rest can suffer as a result. So, while someone might treat back pain with stretches or foam rolling, the underlying cause, weak or overactive pelvic muscles, goes unnoticed.

A deeper understanding of the body’s interconnectedness can lead to more effective care. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, physicians need to start examining how different systems interact and how small imbalances can have a ripple effect.

Many celebrities are openly discussing their pelvic health problems to help others open up, too. The objective is to ensure that these symptoms don’t go unnoticed and undiscussed. Brittany Mahomes recently shared her story through her Instagram handle. According to CBS News, Patrick Mahomes’s wife has urged women to prioritize their pelvic health.

What Needs to Change

People need to start talking about pelvic floor health as a regular part of self-care, not just something addressed after problems arise. This means shifting how the medical community approaches checkups, recovery, and education.

For example, pelvic floor assessments should be a routine part of postpartum care. Similarly, conversations about muscle health should occur during regular gynecological visits, particularly around the time of menopause.

It also means giving people options. Not everyone needs or wants surgery. There are other possible treatments:

• Lifestyle changes: Limit foods and drinks that stimulate the bladder, eat a high-fiber diet, and lose weight

• Non-surgical treatment: Bladder training, pelvic floor muscle training, medicine, vaginal pessary

However, these options often lack visibility, and many women are never informed about their existence.

Creating more awareness isn’t just about avoiding complications; it’s about giving people the ability to make informed choices. With more knowledge, a woman might choose physical therapy over surgery or catch early symptoms before they progress. She might feel more confident bringing up concerns with her doctor instead of assuming discomfort is just part of aging or womanhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to experience some leakage after childbirth or as I get older?

While experiencing some degree of urinary leakage after childbirth or as part of the aging process is common, it is not normal. Many people incorrectly assume it’s an inevitable part of these life stages, leading to unnecessary suffering. Any involuntary leakage of urine is a strong indicator that your pelvic floor muscles are not functioning optimally and require attention.

Can men have pelvic floor issues, too?

Yes, absolutely! Pelvic floor issues are not exclusive to women, and men can certainly experience various forms of pelvic floor dysfunction. In men, these issues often manifest differently but can be just as debilitating. Common concerns include urinary incontinence, particularly after prostate surgery, which can significantly impact daily life. Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to pelvic floor muscle imbalances.

What can cause pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can stem from a variety of factors, often a combination of several. For women, pregnancy and childbirth are significant contributors due to the immense strain placed on these muscles and tissues during delivery. Surgical procedures, such as hysterectomies in women or prostatectomies in men, can directly impact the integrity and function of the pelvic floor.

The silence around pelvic floor health has gone on long enough. Making this topic more visible doesn’t just help women find relief; it can prevent unnecessary interventions and lead to better long-term outcomes.

Every woman deserves to feel at home in her body without discomfort, fear, or confusion about what’s going on internally. And that starts with knowing what questions to ask, which symptoms to pay attention to, and what care options are available.