Pelvic Health Myths

Pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of people, however, the majority of these cases go untreated. Whether people just don’t know that pelvic pain isn’t something they should have to live with, they’re uncomfortable discussing it or they’re not sure where to seek out help, it’s our mission at Therapydia to shine a light on the fact that solutions to these problems DO exist. In treating patients, we come across a lot of misconceptions surrounding the musculoskeletal problems of the pelvic region. While we’re only scratching the surface of the topic here, it’s time for some of these myths to be debunked!

Myth: Pelvic floor issues only occur in women.
Truth: Believe it or not, men can have pelvic floor issues as well. Other than the obvious anatomical differences between men and women, most of the muscles of the pelvic floor are the same. Treatment is much different but a lot of men suffer from pelvic pain, pain with intercourse and many of the same symptoms as women.

Myth: Only women who have given birth suffer from pelvic floor issues.
Truth: You don’t have to have had a child to experience symptoms like leaking, diastasis recti, and other issues associated with pelvic health. Other causes of pelvic pain can stem from exercising improperly or trauma. Even something as seemingly unrelated as experiencing a hard fall on your tailbone can result in a misalignment of the bones in the pelvis and can completely alter how the pelvic floor muscles function.

Myth: It’s normal to have leaking and pelvic pain after childbirth.
Truth: It may be common but it’s certainly not normal. It’s important to know that something can be done about these pelvic floor issues and it doesn’t have to be your “new normal”. Women’s health physical therapy can help.

Myth: Constipation is only a result of the foods that we eat.
Truth: Much of the time, constipation is a pelvic floor problem. The symptoms can be a result of a neuromuscular issue in which your muscles are not able to fully relax and allow you to have a bowel movement. Read our blog on Toilet Ergonomics for more on this issue and to learn about the transformative powers of the Squatty Potty.

To learn more, visit our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy page.