Breaking the Silence on Pelvic Health
Pelvic health––something I’m incredibly passionate about.
To start, let’s have a show of hands. How many of you have shared back pain with a healthcare provider, neighbor, or maybe even a stranger? Now, how many of you would feel as comfortable telling someone about a pelvic health issue, like leakage or prolapse? Right, there’s the difference!
We live in a world where pelvic health, especially for women, is often considered taboo. This reluctance to discuss pelvic health keeps many from seeking help. Here’s the truth: everyone has a pelvic floor—men, women, everyone. The pelvic floor is no different than our shoulders or back, and experiencing issues with it isn’t something to be ashamed of.
For me, pelvic health isn’t just a professional specialty; it’s personal. After having two beautiful children, both over ten pounds, my body was forever changed. But it was pelvic health physiotherapy that truly helped me regain confidence and strength. Without it, my life would look very different today. And that’s why I feel so driven to help others understand and care for this essential part of the body.
What Is Pelvic Health?
Pelvic health is about more than just managing dysfunction; it’s about understanding and supporting the entire pelvic region. Often, we don’t think twice about seeing a physiotherapist for back or knee pain, so why should pelvic issues be any different? Across many countries, like France and Germany, pelvic health is standard postpartum care. Women receive pelvic physiotherapy as part of their recovery after childbirth. Similarly, in Australia, men with prostate conditions are now routinely sent to physiotherapists to prepare their pelvic floor for surgery and recovery.
Unfortunately, many people still assume surgery is their only option for pelvic health issues. But in reality, physiotherapy before or after surgery can drastically improve outcomes. With good evidence to support this approach, it’s time to recognize pelvic health physiotherapy as an essential component of healthcare, not just a last resort.
How Our Pelvic Floor Works
Understanding the anatomy of the pelvic floor helps us see its role in our overall health. The pelvic floor is a complex structure of bones and muscles, with over 36 muscles attached to it, supporting functions that go beyond the obvious. These muscles have five essential functions:
Continence: Keeping things in or letting them out.
Organ Support: Providing support for pelvic organs like the bladder and uterus.
Sexual Health: Enabling pain-free intimacy and the ability to orgasm.
Blood Flow and Nerve Health: Facilitating blood flow and nerve function in the lower body.
Core Stability: Activating all day, every day, for support in standing, walking, and other activities
By giving equal attention to these functions, we can see pelvic health as an integral part of our well-being, not just an afterthought.
Nicola Robertson
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist