Debunking Common Myths About Pelvic Health
Introduction
Pelvic health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it often can be misunderstood or overlooked. Many women experience pelvic floor concerns such as incontinence, prolapse, or pelvic pain. In fact, studies suggest that 1 in 3 women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, myths and misinformation often prevent people from seeking the right help. This blog aims to clear up common misconceptions and explain how physiotherapy can play a vital role in pelvic health.
Common Myths and the Truth
Myth 1: Pelvic floor issues only affect women after childbirth
Truth: While pregnancy and childbirth are major risk factors, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone—men, women, young, and old. Athletes, individuals with chronic coughing, those who lift heavy weights, or people who have undergone prostate surgery are also at risk.
Myth 2: Leakage is a normal part of aging
Truth: Although urinary leakage becomes more common with age, it is not normal and should not be ignored. Incontinence is a sign of pelvic floor weakness, coordination issues, or other underlying conditions—all of which can be improved with the right treatment.
Myth 3: Kegels are the only solution
Truth: Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor, but they aren’t appropriate for everyone. Some people actually have overactive or tight pelvic floors, which require relaxation and release strategies instead of strengthening. A physiotherapist can assess what your body truly needs.
Myth 4: Surgery is the only effective treatment for prolapse or incontinence
Truth: Many people can manage symptoms of prolapse or leakage effectively with conservative care. Physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, pessary use, and exercise can all significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life—sometimes eliminating the need for surgery altogether.
Myth 5: Pelvic floor therapy is only for women with severe symptoms
Truth: Many women think they need to wait until their leakage, pain, or prolapse becomes “bad enough” before seeking help. In reality, early intervention is best. Even mild symptoms—like occasional leakage with exercise or a sense of heaviness—can improve much faster with pelvic floor physiotherapy. Preventative care is also valuable for women preparing for pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or menopause.
Diagnosis
Pelvic floor dysfunction is diagnosed through:
A comprehensive history of symptoms and lifestyle factors
Physical examination, which may be an external and internal (or both) pelvic floor assessment by a trained physiotherapist
Screening for related musculoskeletal or lifestyle contributors such as posture, breathing, and core strength
Physiotherapy Approach
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is evidence-based and highly effective. Treatment may include:
Pelvic floor muscle training (strengthening or relaxation, depending on the condition)
Manual therapy to release tight muscles or scar tissue
Education to improve awareness and control of pelvic floor muscles
Breathing and posture retraining to optimize pelvic health
Functional training to integrate pelvic floor control into everyday movements.
Patient Education and Self-Management
Patients can support their pelvic health by:
Maintaining good bladder and bowel habits (avoiding “just in case” trips to the bathroom and not straining)
Staying active with low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming
Practicing relaxation techniques if dealing with pelvic tension
Using proper lifting techniques to reduce strain on the pelvic floor
Seeking early help when symptoms arise—small changes can make a big difference
Conclusion
Pelvic floor concerns are common, but they should not be considered “normal” or something to live with silently. By debunking these myths, we hope to empower individuals to take charge of their pelvic health. With proper assessment and treatment, physiotherapy can provide lasting improvements and restore confidence in daily life.
Call to Action
If you are experiencing bladder leakage, pelvic pain, or concerns about prolapse, don’t let myths hold you back. Contact Integrative Physio in Barrie today to book an assessment with Maria Gayevski our pelvic health physiotherapist. Together, we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Written By: Maria Gayevski
References:
Dumoulin C, Hay-Smith J, Habée-Séguin GM. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018.
Abrams P, Cardozo L, Wagg A, Wein A (eds). Incontinence 6th Edition. International Continence Society. 2017.
Frawley HC, Dean SG, Slade SC, Hay-Smith EJC. Is pelvic-floor muscle training a physical therapy or a behavioral therapy? A call to name and report the physical, cognitive, and behavioral elements. Phys Ther. 2017.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management. NICE guideline [NG123]. 2019.
Stafford RE, Coughlin G, Lutton NJ, Hodges PW. Validity of manual assessment of pelvic floor muscle contraction in men. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015.
