Even after years of medical school, some health professionals only get a 30-minute lecture on this crucial body part. There are muscles you never knew you had, but desperately need.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that might be a bit uncomfortable for some, but trust me, it’s super important. We’re talking about a body part that everyone has but no one wants to discuss: the pelvic floor. Before you shy away, let’s get into why understanding and talking about your pelvic floor can change your life for the better.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
First things first, what exactly is the pelvic floor? Simply put, it’s a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and, for women, the uterus. These muscles stretch like a hammock from the front of your pelvis to the back. They’re responsible for things like controlling your bladder and bowel movements, and they also play a role in sexual function.
Many people don’t even think about their pelvic floor until there’s a problem. But here’s the thing: it’s much easier to prevent issues than to fix them after they’ve become severe.
It’s Common But Not Normal: Understanding Pelvic Floor Issues
One of the main points Isa Herrera, a pelvic floor expert, makes is that many people experience pelvic floor problems and think it’s just a part of life. Things like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or even issues during sex can be widespread, but that doesn’t mean they’re normal. Isa stresses that understanding these issues is the first step to addressing them.
So if you’re experiencing any discomfort or unusual symptoms, know you’re not alone. Many people go through the same thing. However, it’s important to understand that while it’s common, it’s not something you have to live with forever.
Breaking the Cycle of Shame
Isa also talks about the shame that often surrounds pelvic floor issues. This is especially true for women, who might feel embarrassed or think that these problems are their fault. Maybe you’ve heard things like, “It’s a part of getting older,” or “It’s just part of being a mom.” The truth is, while these issues are common, they should not be considered normal, and there’s no need to feel ashamed.
Shame often keeps us from seeking the help we need. Isa encourages us to break this cycle by talking openly about our experiences and understanding that our pelvic floor deserves the same attention and care as any other part of our body.
Men and Pelvic Floor Health
It’s not just women who need to think about pelvic floor health—men do too. Men can also experience issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic pain. In fact, about 40% of Isa’s patients are men. So, if you’re a man experiencing these symptoms, know that help is available for you as well.
Listening to Your Body: Early Signs and Symptoms
You don’t have to wait until a problem becomes unbearable to seek help. Listen to your body. It often gives you early signs that something isn’t right. Discomfort during intercourse, frequent urination, or even a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen can all be signs that your pelvic floor needs attention.
By being proactive and addressing these symptoms early, you can prevent more severe problems down the line. It’s all about taking charge of your health and well-being.
The Power of Prevention
If you’re already on your wellness journey, you’re ahead of the game. But let’s dig a little deeper into how you can be proactive about your pelvic health. Good news, you’re not limited to just Kegels!
Get to Know Your Pelvic Floor
Connecting with your pelvic floor may seem weird at first, especially if you’ve never thought about it before. But visualization and touch can make a big difference. Imagine your pelvic floor muscles as a supportive hammock. Think of them working to lift and support your bladder and bowel. You can even place your hand on your lower abdomen to feel this area as you engage these muscles.
This visualization helps you understand that these muscles need to be exercised and cared for, just like any other muscle group. It’s essential to remove the stigma and remember that this part of your body also deserves love and attention.
Exercises and Practices for a Healthy Pelvic Floor
Now, let’s get practical. There are several exercises and practices you can incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your pelvic floor. One of the most well-known exercises is the Kegel exercise. Here’s how you do it:
Identify Your Pelvic Floor Muscles: You can do this by stopping your urine flow midstream. Once you know where these muscles are, you can do the exercises anywhere.
Contract and Relax: Tighten your pelvic floor muscles for about 3 to 5 seconds, then relax for the same amount of time. Aim for 10 repetitions, three times a day.
Breathe Normally: Make sure you’re breathing normally while performing these exercises. Holding your breath can actually put more pressure on your pelvic floor.
REAL Stories, REAL Impact
Let’s take a moment to share some real stories. Many people, including healthcare providers themselves, were in the dark about the pelvic floor. Isa Herrera herself admits, “I started taking courses. Anything I could absorb, any information, any PT I could follow… because I realized how vital this part of our body is.”
Herrera emphasizes that it wasn’t until she began this journey that she fully appreciated the importance of pelvic health. Her story is a powerful testament to how education and proactive care can transform lives.
Transformation, Not Just Treatment
We often hear, “Take care of your body before something goes wrong.” But how often do we apply this to our pelvic health? Most of us wait until we experience significant pain or discomfort before seeking help. Herrera advocates for early education and intervention for better long-term health.
Here’s an opportunity to shift from merely treating problems to actively preventing them. Imagine how much better you’d feel if you took proactive steps today to enhance your pelvic health!
Final Thoughts
Pelvic floor health is something everyone should care about. It’s just as important as any other aspect of your health. By understanding what the pelvic floor is, recognizing early signs of issues, and taking proactive steps to address them, you can maintain better health and well-being.
Let’s break the silence around the pelvic floor and empower each other to take charge of our health. Trust your body, listen to yourself, and never be afraid to seek help when you need it. You deserve to live a healthy, comfortable life.
