As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I’ve worked with countless individuals who struggle with pelvic floor issues. One of the biggest challenges is the sheer amount of misinformation surrounding this important area of the body. Many people don’t fully understand what the pelvic floor is, what it does, or how to care for it properly. In this post, I’ll be addressing five common myths that I often hear in my practice, with the hope of clearing up any confusion and helping you take control of your pelvic health.

1. Myth: Kegels are the answer to pelvic floor problems:

Fact: Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, are often associated with pelvic floor health. Often times it’s assumed that doing Kegels on a regular basis can help resolve pelvic floor symptoms. However, many times Kegels will not resolve the underlying reason for symptoms, and possibly could worsen them. The pelvic floor is often an innocent bystander with symptoms so the reason for them typically lies elsewhere in the body. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be tied to your back, core, hips, or even feet - and Kegels won’t fix those!

2. Myth: Pelvic floor issues are only related to bladder problems:

Fact: While accidental leaks are a common concern associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, this is far from the only issue. The pelvic floor also affects bowel function, sexual health, and even posture, back, and hip pain. Constipation, pelvic pain, and difficulty with orgasms are all related to pelvic floor health. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect one or all of these, but they’re all fixable!

3. Myth: Pelvic floor problems only occur with older age:

Fact: It’s a common myth that pelvic floor problems only affect older people. In reality, issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse can occur at any age, even in young, healthy individuals. Factors like pregnancy, heavy lifting, constipation, and physical injuries can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction at any point in life.

4. Myth: Surgery is the only solution for pelvic floor issues:

Fact: Surgery is not always necessary for pelvic floor problems. In most cases, pelvic floor PT can effectively address issues like incontinence, prolapse, or pelvic pain. Therapy often focuses on restoring function, improving muscle control, and providing long-term relief without the need for invasive procedures

5. Myth: Pelvic Floor Therapy is only for post-pregnancy

Fact: Although pelvic floor therapy is highly beneficial after childbirth, it’s not exclusive to new moms. Many people experience pelvic floor dysfunction due to various factors such as surgery, trauma, or other conditions. Therapy can help across all ages and for pelvic floor dysfunction that stems from almost any reason. It’s never too late to see a pelvic PT to improve symptoms - even if you’ve been dealing with them for decades!

Interested in learning more about these and other myths? Come to our pelvic floor & more seminar on April 22nd and learn more!