Pregnancy brings about numerous physical changes to your body, and a weakened pelvic floor is among them.
Marian Donnelly, a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, explained why toQueensland Health.
They are also softened by the effects of pregnancy hormones."
Donnelly added that giving birth vaginally or via cesarean can further affect your pelvic floor.
This is not exclusive to pregnancy though, as pelvic dysfunction can strike at any age.
Due to diminishing estrogen and hormone changes, pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in older women.
Other indications you suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction include painful sex or pain when inserting a tampon.
This includes obesity, pelvic surgery, weightlifting, certain injuries, and much more.
They can help address symptoms such as incontinence and painful sex.
In an article forHealthline, Allyson Byers explained why she turned to pelvic floor therapy.
She wrote that she could not have an intimate relationship or wear a tampon.
Her doctors believed this stemmed from anxiety, and she went to therapy.
So what can you expect at your first pelvic floor therapy session?
You will discuss your medical history and symptoms.
Then, there will be two physical exams.
One is to check your posture and core strength.
The other is internal and is to inspect the tightness and condition of your pelvic floor muscles.
After these steps are complete, your physical therapist will devise a treatment plan for you.
Treatment options vary
The amount of pelvic floor therapy sessions needed varies from patient to patient.
However, you’re able to expect to undergo at least eight sessions, each lasting an hour.
Treatment options also depend on the issues you’re having.
One example is Kegels, an exercise thatstrengthens the pelvic floor.
Breathing exercises and trigger point massages are also common.
Furthermore, vaginal dilators can be used to relax tight pelvic floor muscles.
In her article forHealthline, Allyson Byers wrote that she used dilators in her treatment.
Christensen explained why someone might decide against getting help.
She said, “It is very common for women to feel disconnected from this part of the body.
