A survey of 2,000 women recently conducted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) revealed one in five (21%) experienced urinary incontinence and a quarter (25%) experienced a frequent urge to wee. Despite symptoms being common, over half (55%) do not currently do, or have never done pelvic floor exercises, with nearly a quarter (23%) not knowing how to do them.
The survey also revealed that:
- The majority (69%) of women had not spoken to anyone in the NHS about their pelvic floor health
- Over half (53%) of the women who had experienced symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction did not seek help from a healthcare professional
- Of these, 39% thought their symptoms were normal and 21% were too embarrassed
- Only 22% of women do their pelvic floor exercises regularly
- 15% could not identify any common symptoms caused by a weak pelvic floor
What are the symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Symptoms can happen at any age, but especially around pregnancy and childbirth, perimenopause and menopause. Possible symptoms include:
- Problems controlling the bladder, such as unexpected leakage of urine, feeling the need to pass urine more frequently or urgently, or difficulty passing urine
- Leaking urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects
- Difficulty controlling the bowel, such as passing wind unexpectedly or unexpected leakage of faeces
- Pelvic organ prolapse, where one or more of the organs in the pelvis bulge from their normal position into the vagina
- Frequent bladder infections
- Discomfort during sex
What are pelvic floor exercises?
Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles around the bladder, bowel and uterus. This can help to prevent and improve common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
How can Osteopathy help?
Viv is an Osteopath who specialises in Women’s Pelvic Health and is also a Mummy MOT practitioner. Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach to the pelvic floor, soft tissue connections from other structures in the body to the pelvis can also impact the pelvic floor. We see a wide range of issues, which affect women’s bodies during and after pregnancy, post surgery including c-sections and hysterectomies, alongside peri and post menopause. Viv is experienced treating pregnancy- related issues such a pelvic girdle pain (PGP) along with postpartum issues such pelvic floor dysfunction, feeling of loss of strength, mobility or the “tummy gap”.
We offer a free 15 minute appointment if you would like to discuss any symptoms or concerns you have.
Useful links
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng210
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises/
