Most women suffer pelvic floor problems

SIX in 10 women are struggling with pelvic floor problems, with many too embarrassed to seek help, medics say.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said far too many women were left to put up with distressing symptoms, especially after childbirth.

It called for more advice and support for women, and said girls should learn about the issue from an early age.

Women who suffered debilitating symptoms such as urinary incontinence told how they were dismissed by medics, who suggested such problems were inevitable after childbirth, rather than offering help.

A poll commissioned by the RCOG found just one in five women in the UK regularly perform exercises to maintain their pelvic floor health.

Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause incontinence, while tight ones can make it difficult to empty the bladder.

Exercises can help strengthen these muscles, but the poll found more than half of women do not do them, while a quarter did not know how to.

The Opinium survey of 2,000 women found that 60 per cent have at least one symptom of poor pelvic health, such as urinary incontinence or a frequent need to urinate.

The new policy paper said the NHS needs to do far more to provide support after childbirth, and provide advice to reduce risks. It also calls for guidance to identify those at greatest risk.