Pelvic Floor Health: Empowering Women to Master Their Core with Confidence
June 21, 2024
Introduction
We often look at the skyscrapers, forgetting the foundations that hold them. That’s what we have been doing regarding women’s health. There are many issues ranging from irregular periods to bone health, and among them, one of the most overlooked issues concerning women’s well-being is pelvic floor health. This issue is often ignored due to societal norms, pressures, and a lack of proper understanding.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor
Imagine a strong skyscraper standing tall and reaching heights; the foundation it is built on is crucial. The pelvic floor works the same way; it is like a strong, flexible sheet at the bottom of your pelvis, keeping organs like the bladder, intestines, and uterus in place while preventing unwanted leakage. It’s essential to take care of pelvic floor health to maintain a healthy body, leading to a healthy lifestyle. From supporting organ function to promoting continence and enhancing sexual well-being, a strong and resilient pelvic floor is vital for overall health and quality of life.
How do you maintain pelvic floor health? By incorporating simple exercises, practicing good posture, and being mindful of pelvic floor health, you can ensure that this often-overlooked area of the body remains strong and functional for years to come.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor is responsible for holding our organs together, but many women struggle with controlling their bladder, leading to bowel incontinence. This condition refers to the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in unexpected passage of stool. It can vary from occasional leakage of stool and gas to complete loss of control over bowel movements. Bladder incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse occur when one or more organs within the pelvis descend from their usual position and protrude into the vagina.
Several factors contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Having a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m²
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Chronic respiratory diseases leading to persistent coughing
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age, with risk escalating as individuals grow older
- Family history of urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder or fecal incontinence
Additionally, gynecological factors such as cancer and related treatments, previous gynecological surgeries like hysterectomy, and conditions like fibromyalgia heighten susceptibility. Pregnancy and childbirth also play significant roles, particularly for women over 30, those who have previously given birth, or who experience specific labor-related events like assisted vaginal birth, occipito-posterior vaginal birth, prolonged second stage of labor, or injury to the anal sphincter during delivery.
These factors underscore the importance of comprehensive pelvic floor health management strategies.
Exercises and Strategies for Preventing Incontinence and Maintaining Pelvic Floor Health
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles enhances support for the bladder and surrounding structures. These techniques aid in controlling the anal sphincter muscle during bowel movements. Bowel retraining involves establishing specific times for bowel movements.
For individuals who struggle to discern when to have a bowel movement or face mobility challenges that hinder reaching the toilet independently, specialized care is essential. They may develop a habit of delaying bowel movements due to difficulty accessing the toilet. To mitigate this issue, assistance should be provided to reach the toilet after meals and when the urge arises. Additionally, ensuring a safe and comfortable bathroom environment is crucial.
Utilizing special pads or undergarments can offer a sense of security for individuals dealing with incontinence when venturing outdoors.
Conclusion
In the light of women’s health, the pelvic floor often remains overshadowed by other pressing issues, much like the unseen foundation beneath towering skyscrapers. Yet, its significance cannot be understated. The pelvic floor serves as a crucial support system for vital organs, ensuring their proper function and preventing discomfort or embarrassment due to conditions like incontinence or prolapse.
By understanding the importance of pelvic floor health and adopting proactive measures to maintain it, individuals can safeguard their overall well-being and quality of life. From simple exercises to mindful practices, every effort counts in preserving the strength and functionality of this often-overlooked area of the body.
Moreover, recognizing the factors contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction and implementing comprehensive management strategies underscores the need for holistic approaches to women’s health care. By addressing modifiable risk factors and providing tailored support for those facing challenges, we can strive towards a future where pelvic floor health is prioritized and accessible to all.