You might not give it much thought, but your pelvic floor health is crucial to your well-being. Let’s dive into why it’s important and how to keep it in tip-top shape.
What is your pelvic floor?
First things first, let’s understand what the pelvic floor actually is. It’s like a hammock of muscles that supports your bladder, uterus, and rectum. Think of it as a superhero that holds everything in place. It allows you to do your daily activities without a second thought. Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of why pelvic floor health is so important. You see, a strong pelvic floor helps prevent many issues that impact the quality of life.
Things that can weaken your pelvic floor
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Age
- Weight
- Chronic illnesses
Symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor
- Urinary incontinence (involuntary loss of urine)
- Urinary urgency
- Gas incontinence (inability to hold in gas)
- Fecal incontinence (involuntary loss of stool)
- Fecal urgency
- Chronic constipation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Why is pelvic floor health important?
Ever experienced a sudden urge to pee that you couldn’t control? A strong pelvic floor can help prevent embarrassing leaks and maintain proper bladder control. If you plan on having kids, a well-conditioned pelvic floor can make labor smoother and reduce the risk of complications. Want better sex? Yes, you guessed it right – a strong pelvic floor can enhance your intimate moments. It helps with arousal, sensation, and even orgasm.
Your pelvic floor is like the foundation of a house. If it’s strong, your back and core muscles function better. This leads to improved posture and reduced back pain. What’s more is that a weak pelvic floor can lead to pelvic organ prolapse. This is where your bladder, uterus, or rectum droops into the vaginal area. Strengthening these muscles can help prevent it.
Tips for Maintaining Pelvic Floor Health
Now that we know why pelvic floor health matters, let’s explore some simple ways to keep it in check:
- Kegel Exercises: These are your go-to exercises for pelvic floor strengthening. Just squeeze and lift the muscles you’d use to stop the urine flow. Do these regularly to keep those muscles strong.
- Proper Lifting: When you’re picking up heavy objects, bend your knees and use your legs, not your back. This technique reduces pressure on your pelvic floor.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps your urinary system healthy. But remember, too much caffeine and carbonated drinks can irritate your bladder.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight and Practice Good Posture: Extra weight can strain your pelvic floor. Regular exercise and a balanced diet help support your pelvic muscles. Sit and stand up straight. Good posture takes the pressure off your pelvic floor and keeps your core engaged.
- Mind Your Bowels: Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement and keep in mind straining can weaken your pelvic floor over time.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting During Pregnancy: If you’re expecting, be mindful of how you lift things. The added pressure on your pelvic floor during pregnancy can increase the risk of strain.
- Seek Help When Needed: If you’re experiencing pelvic pain or any other pelvic floor issues, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. We’re here to help you.
Taking care of your pelvic floor health is not something to be shy about – it’s a vital part of your body that deserves attention. It’s never too early or too late to start prioritizing your pelvic floor health. So, let’s show some love to that unsung hero who supports you daily. Here’s to a strong and confident you!