Your pelvic health matters: insights from NHS clinicians

Pelvic health refers to the well-being of the pelvic region, including the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It's important because it affects core bodily functions such as urination, sexual health, and continence.

Common signs include incontinence, pelvic pain, heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area, and pain during intercourse. If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help. These involve tightening and holding the muscles that stop the flow of urine. Regular practice is key to strengthening these muscles.

Yes, pelvic floor issues are quite common during and after pregnancy due to the physical changes and stress placed on the pelvic region. Exercises and pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage these issues.

Yes, men can also experience pelvic floor issues, although it's less discussed. Symptoms can include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and pelvic pain.

Treatments can include pelvic floor exercises, physiotherapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery. Consultation with a healthcare provider like a GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist is essential for a tailored treatment plan.

If you notice persistent symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or discomfort that affects your daily life, it's important to consult a GP or pelvic health specialist.

Surgery can be an option for pelvic organ prolapse, especially if symptoms are severe. However, it's usually considered after other treatments, like physiotherapy, have been tried.

Menopause can weaken pelvic floor muscles due to hormonal changes, increasing the risk of pelvic floor disorders. Regular pelvic floor exercises can help mitigate these effects.

Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, avoiding heavy lifting, managing chronic coughing, and incorporating regular pelvic exercises can all improve pelvic health.

While it becomes more common with age, urinary incontinence is not considered a normal part of aging and can often be treated or managed with the right approach.

Yes, there are many devices available that provide biofeedback or resistance to help improve the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises. It's best to discuss these options with a healthcare provider.

Yes, a diet high in fiber can help maintain good bowel health, avoiding constipation, which can strain the pelvic floor. Staying hydrated and managing diet-related weight are also important.

With consistent practice, many people notice improvements within a few weeks to a few months. Personal results can vary depending on the severity of the issue and adherence to exercise routines.

A pelvic health physiotherapist is a specialist who can assess and treat a range of pelvic floor disorders using exercises, manual therapy, and education to improve or restore muscle function.