Protecting your PELVIC FLOOR

HOW TO MANAGE COMMON CONDITIONS AND IMPROVE OVERALL WELLBEING

One in three women who have given birth experience some degree of urinary incontinence. And in many of these cases the cause is pelvic floor dysfunction. The good news is there are ways you can address this issue.

WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR?

“The pelvic floor is a group of muscles in the base of the pelvis,” says Catherine Willis, National Advisory Council Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

The most common cause is childbirth, but pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, resulting in issues with bladder or bowel control, especially after actions like coughing, sneezing, jumping or heavy lifting. Some people may also experience a sense of urgency that makes them feel they need to suddenly rush to the toilet.

Around 50 per cent of women who have had a baby may also experience prolapse, a condition where the pelvic organs can drop into the vagina. Symptoms include a sense of heaviness, or the feeling of a bulge or bump. For some women this is so minor they won’t feel it, but for others it may cause extreme pain along with issues with emptying their bladder and bowel.

OVERACTIVE PELVIC FLOOR

Pelvic floor muscles can also become overactive. This can sometimes occur in women who have done exercises like ballet or gymnastics from a very young age, or it can happen as a result of pain from endometriosis or stitches during childbirth.

Common symptoms include pelvic pain, difficulty using tampons, pain with cervical smear tests, difficulty with sex, or difficulty being able to relax and empty the bladder or bowel. Another symptom is bladder urgency, which can cause some women to mistakenly believe they have a weak pelvic floor, so it’s essential to have the correct diagnosis.

CAN IT BE TREATED?

If you think you could have pelvic floor issues, it’s important to be assessed by an expert such as a pelvic floor or women’s health physio. They can advise you on what exercises you need to do and how to do them correctly.

“The number-one recommended treatment for weak pelvic floor muscles is pelvic floor muscle exercises,” Catherine explains.

To find the right physio for you, the Australian Physiotherapy Association has a search tool (choose.physio). Your GP may also be able to recommend one, as well as write a referral which may allow you to be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Some physios also offer telehealth appointments for people in rural and remote communities.