What Exactly is Pelvic Health?

Pelvic health encompasses the optimal functioning and management of essential bodily functions such as bladder control, bowel movements, and reproductive organs. Central to this is the condition of your pelvic floor muscles, a group of muscles located at the base of your pelvis responsible for supporting and positioning pelvic organs, preventing bladder and bowel incontinence, and contributing to sexual function. Ideally, these muscles should exhibit strength, coordination, and flexibility, but this isn't always the case. When these muscles fail to function as intended, it leads to what is known as pelvic floor dysfunction, resulting in various issues that can significantly impact one's quality of life.

What Could Go Wrong?

Pelvic health issues can emerge at any stage of life, affecting individuals irrespective of age. While various conditions fall under the umbrella term of pelvic floor dysfunction, they share a commonality in disrupting normal bodily functions. Some frequently encountered conditions include

-Urinary Incontinence: This involves the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder, often occurring during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Stress-induced and urge-induced urinary incontinence are among the more prevalent types, however they are many more types of incontinence.

-Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This occurs when pelvic organs, like the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into the vaginal area due to weakness, tearing, or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles or support system. Commonly observed in women post-pregnancy, menopause, or with a history of chronic cough or constipation, symptoms may include vaginal bulging, perineal pressure, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, incontinence, low back pain, and sexual dysfunction.

-Pelvic Pain: Characterized by discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvic region, pelvic pain can be acute or chronic. Approximately one in five women in Australia experience pelvic pain for six months or more. Common conditions causing pelvic pain include period pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic muscle pain, bladder pain, urinary tract infections, and vulval pain.

-Post-Pregnancy: Pregnancy and childbirth exert significant pressure on the pelvic floor, potentially resulting in weakened muscles or increased tension. This can lead to various symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and incontinence. Additionally, childbirth-related issues or injuries, such as the use of delivery assistance tools or episiotomies, can further exacerbate these symptoms.

Prioritising Your Pelvic Health

Ensuring optimal pelvic health is paramount for overall well-being. If you're experiencing symptoms or concerns related to your pelvic health, it's essential to understand that you're not alone. While acknowledging and addressing pelvic health concerns may seem daunting, early intervention can pave the way for a better quality of life. Don't hesitate to seek support and guidance to address any pelvic health issues you may be experiencing.