Have you been referred to pelvic floor therapy but wondering why since you don't have children? You might be thinking, “Isn’t that something moms need after delivering a baby?” Spoiler alert: pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for moms! Whether or not you’re planning to have a baby, your pelvic floor is working hard for you. And if you’re not treating it right, it might just remind you with a few unexpected surprises (think bladder leaks during a workout or back pain out of nowhere). So, let’s dive into why every woman—yes, including the ones who haven't or don’t plan to give birth—might just want to consider some pelvic floor TLC.
1. Pelvic Floor: The Body’s Unsung Hero
The pelvic floor is like your body’s hidden hero. These muscles are responsible for supporting your bladder, bowel, and other pelvic organs. They’re also crucial for bladder control, bowel control, and even enhancing sexual pleasure (yep, you heard that right). The problem? Most of us don’t even think about our pelvic floor—until something goes wrong.
Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day, lifting weights at the gym, or just going about life, your pelvic floor is always working in the background. But if it’s too tight, too weak, or just plain neglected, you might start noticing symptoms like pelvic pain, lower back aches, or, dare I say it, a little leakage when you laugh too hard. Not exactly the kind of surprise anyone wants.
2. Strength Training for the Muscles You Can’t See
You work out for strength, flexibility, and endurance, right? But what about the muscles you can’t see, like the pelvic floor? They need attention too! Pelvic floor therapy involves targeted exercises to strengthen, relax, or retrain these muscles. This means working with a professional who knows their stuff, not just Googling “pelvic floor exercises” and crossing your fingers.
Therapists can teach you how to properly engage (and relax) your pelvic muscles, which is especially helpful if you’re into high-impact sports, running or heavy lifting. In fact, athletes often have tight pelvic floors from all that intensity, which can lead to things like incontinence (yup, even if you’re young and fit) or hip and lower back pain. Pelvic floor therapy can help you stay strong, stable, and pain-free—no pads required.
3. Say Goodbye to Cramps, Pain, and Pee Worries
Do you sometimes experience pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, or severe period cramps? These can all be signs of a pelvic floor that needs a little extra care. Pelvic floor therapy can help address tension and discomfort, making those once-miserable cramps and aches more manageable and helping you feel more comfortable in your body.
Oh, and if you’ve ever been “blessed” with a bladder that seems to be in a race to the restroom during every movie, road trip, or night out, pelvic floor therapy might just be your new best friend. With therapy, you’ll learn how to control and coordinate these muscles better, meaning fewer mad dashes to the bathroom.
4. Yes, It Can Make Intimacy Better
Let’s talk about intimacy. A healthy pelvic floor plays a huge role in enhancing sexual comfort and pleasure. If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or discomfort during sex, it’s often a sign that your pelvic floor muscles need some attention. Pelvic floor therapy can help with muscle relaxation, increased blood flow, and overall confidence and comfort. So not only can pelvic floor therapy help you avoid discomfort, but it can actually make things more enjoyable.
5. Future-Proofing Your Body
Even if you never plan on having a baby, a strong, healthy pelvic floor now can prevent a whole lot of issues later on. Think about it as future-proofing. Down the road, things like incontinence, prolapse, or pelvic pain can pop up if the pelvic floor is weak or imbalanced. By taking care of it now, you’re investing in a healthier, more comfortable future. And, let’s face it, that’s one less thing to worry about when you’re already busy enough being awesome.
Show Your Pelvic Floor Some Love
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for new moms; it’s for anyone who wants a healthy, well-functioning body. From supporting your athletic pursuits to helping you avoid little “oops” moments, pelvic floor therapy is the unsung hero of preventive care and any bowel, bladder or intimacy concerns. So don’t wait for a big event or baby to show your pelvic floor some love!
Health & Happiness,
Dr. Carly
Comments