Six Common Myths About the Pelvic Floor

Have you ever received advice about your pelvic floor from a friend, family member, coworker, or even stranger? Everyone seems to have an opinion about this sometimes mysterious and elusive part of our bodies.

It’s time to do some myth busting about the pelvic floor because, let’s face it, there is more information on the internet and social media than most of us have time to dissect. The following are some of the most commonly shared myths about the pelvic floor and the truth behind them:

1. Myth: If you're having pelvic floor problems, kegels are the answer. 

Maybe not: More often than not, kegels alone are not the answer to pelvic floor dysfunction. In fact, many individuals need to release, relax, and lengthen the pelvic floor to gain mobility and strength as opposed to shortening, lifting, and contracting with kegels. Pelvic floor physical therapists evaluate each individual’s needs to determine which movement and treatment will be the most beneficial. 

2. Myth: Pelvic floor physical therapy is only for post-partum women. 

Wrong! Every body has a pelvis! While pelvic floor physical therapy is a crucial piece of childbirth preparation and rehabilitation postpartum, we treat so many other patient populations and diagnoses. 

What are the most common male symptoms for pelvic floor dysfunction?

Frequent urination, urinary leakage, fecal leakage, pelvic pain, post-prostatectomy, low back pain due to pelvic dysfunction, constipation, pain with sex or ejaculation, and more. 

What are the most common female symptoms for pelvic floor dysfunction outside of pregnancy?

Pelvic pain, pain with sex, post abdominal surgeries, urinary or fecal leakage, constipation, prolapse, and more. 

3. Myth: It is normal to have leakage postpartum. 

Not normal! This is one of many examples of what we call “common but not normal.” While peeing your pants a little bit (or a lot) may be a common complaint postpartum, it can be avoided, treated, and eliminated with pelvic floor physical therapy.

4. Myth: If I have a C section, I'll avoid all problems with my pelvic floor!

Wrong: Sometimes a c section is inevitable for a variety of reasons. However, choosing a voluntary cesarean section will not help to avoid pelvic floor problems postpartum. Pregnancy alone is the risk factor associated with pelvic floor dysfunction postpartum and studies have shown that instances of urinary incontinence are equal between vaginal and c section births!

5. Myth: If sex is painful, just have a glass of wine and try to relax.

Truth: Pain with sex, termed “dyspareunia”, can be caused by a number of factors, including tightness in pelvic floor muscles or “vaginismus”, pelvic trauma or surgeries, childbirth injuries, hormonal changes, and emotional stress/trauma. A good team of healthcare providers, including a pelvic health specialist PT, helps to address the root causes behind dyspareunia. Just trying to get through or past the pain is not an effective or long-lasting solution!

6. Myth: The pelvic floor is a very specific part of the body and doesn’t involve any other body parts 

Fact: The pelvic floor is a crucial part of our core, as it is the bottom of our abdominal canister. It attaches our upper body to our lower body and provides an important intersection for blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and fascial planes. Not only is the pelvic floor affected by almost every single other body part, it is highly affected by the BRAIN. The brain directly affects pelvic processes, such as knowing when our bladder is full, as well as nervous system regulation. It comes as a surprise to many that mental health, stress, and stress management can have significant impacts on pelvic health.

Hopefully dispelling some of these common pelvic floor myths has helped you avoid the rabbit hole that can be Dr. Google. For more information and education about your own pelvic floor, come get an assessment from one of our highly trained, evidence based, holistic pelvic floor physical therapists at AnewU Physical Therapy!

Still unsure? Schedule a free discovery call to speak directly with a Doctor of Physical Therapy!