 Pelvic health is important for us all, but particularly for women and some non-binary people. The risks of having a weak pelvic floor include incontinence and less sensation during sex – and nobody wants that. By now, we've all heard that pelvic floor exercises are useful (and if you need a reminder of how to do them, we've got your back). But what about the signs you need to look out for, that tell things might need extra attention from a health professional? Clare Bourne, a leading pelvic health physiotherapist and author of Strong Foundations, shares with us her top pelvic health warning signs. Leakage of urine during exercise Clare says: 'Incontinence of urine, or bladder leaks as they are sometimes referred to, are never normal at any time in life. 'It can be easily normalised at different life stages, for example after having a baby or when going through menopause, however this is not the case. 'Urinary leakage can occur during different day to day moments like coughing or sneezing, as well as during activity and movement.' However, it is most common during activities where there is impact, such as running, or lifting weights. This is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and first line treatment in the UK is to receive guided pelvic floor rehabilitation, which pelvic health physiotherapists are specially trained to do. Pain during intercourse Intercourse and sex shouldn't be painful. 'If there is pain, this can be related to the pelvic floor muscles and a condition called vaginismus, where the pelvic floor muscles tighten up in response to penetration during intercourse, or using a tampon or mooncup, or a medical examination,' Clare says. 'Pelvic health physiotherapists assess women to help understand why they might be experiencing pain or discomfort with intercourse, and then set out a treatment plan to improve symptoms.' Heaviness in the vagina If it feels like something is there when it should){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Pelvic health is important for us all, but particularly for women and some non-binary people.
The risks of having a weak pelvic floor include incontinence and less sensation during sex – and nobody wants that.
By now, we’ve all heard that pelvic floor exercises are useful (and if you need a reminder of how to do them, we’ve got your back).
But what about the signs you need to look out for, that tell things might need extra attention from a health professional?