8 Pelvic Floor Myths Debunked with Candace Little (BMR PT, Physiotherapist)

There is plenty of misinformation floating around online about pelvic floor health. You may start to wonder if your pelvic floor (the group of muscles and ligaments in your pelvic region) is functioning normally or if it is time to seek professional help. Pelvic floor health is crucial for proper bladder, bowel, and sexual health.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth #1: It is normal to leak when I laugh, cough or sneeze because I have had children or have gone through menopause.

FACT: Though it can be a common occurrence, this is not "normal”. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help determine what factors are contributing to this stress incontinence and provide you with treatment options. It is also possible to experience stress incontinence outside of childbirth and menopause.

Myth # 2: Physiotherapy focused on the pelvic floor cannot help me because my issues aren't related to childbirth (issues may include pelvic pain, incontinence, chronic constipation, urinary frequency, and/or prolapse etc.).

FACT: Pelvic floor issues can occur in anyone at any age and can be due to many factors. A physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy will take a detailed history and discuss the different factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Together, you and your physiotherapist will discuss treatment options focused on your specific pelvic floor assessment.

Myth # 3:  A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment always includes an internal exam and treatment is focused only on the internal anatomy.

FACT: At your first appointment our physiotherapist will take a detailed history and perform an external exam. You are more than just a pelvic floor! It is important to assess you as a whole person, not just the pelvic floor, to get a complete picture of what may be contributing to your symptoms. The internal exam is not always required on the first appointment and is only performed when you feel comfortable.

Myth # 4: It is better to wait to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist until after my baby is born because there is nothing that can be done to help me before I become pregnant or during my pregnancy.

FACT: There are lots of things physiotherapy can help you with while you are pregnant or in preparation for pregnancy. Preparing the pelvic floor for birth and labor is just the start! Your physiotherapist can also help address any occurrences of pain throughout your pregnancy, help educate you on alternative positions for birth, and can provide strategies for when you are in active labor.

Myth #5: Pelvic floor physiotherapy is just Kegels.

Fact: Though your treatment plan may include pelvic floor muscle contractions to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, many people do “Kegels” incorrectly. Your physiotherapist will educate you on the anatomy of the pelvic floor and help you to isolate and contract your pelvic floor muscles correctly.

Myth #6: My pelvic floor issues are related to weak muscles.

Fact: While pelvic floor muscle weakness may be playing a role in your issues, often it is a combination of factors that lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. These can include tight muscles (internally and externally), weak external muscles in the hips, low back, or core, or even ineffective breathing patterns just to name a few.

Myth #7: It is a good idea to “pee before we go” or “just in case”. 

Fact: Although there are times when this just makes sense (before a long road trip, when going somewhere for a long period without access to a bathroom), emptying your bladder regularly when it is not full is not a good idea and can lead to increased frequency of urination, incontinence, and bladder dysfunction.

Myth #8: It is normal for sex to be painful or uncomfortable.

Fact: There may be rare circumstances that lead to uncomfortable positions but overall, sex should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain during sex reach out to a physiotherapist who treats the pelvic floor, or your health care provider, to investigate the cause.

Did any of these myths resonate with you and your pelvic floor health?

Some common bookings for pelvic floor physiotherapy are for those that are experiencing, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and/or urgency, overactive bladder, pelvic pain, pre/peri/post-natal health (including post-caesarean section considerations), pre/post-surgical considerations, and peri/ post-menopause.

Now that you have the facts, we hope that you have a better understanding of the importance of pelvic floor health. If you think you could use some extra support in this area, please don’t hesitate to book with Candace Little (BMR PT, Physiotherapist) at The Wellness Clinic. Candace has experience working with patients of nearly every age (including pediatrics) with pelvic floor health issues. She is eager to help and support you too!