Around one-quarter of women in the United States suffer from some sort of pelvic floor problem. But, there’s also a lot of problematic misinformation floating around about pelvic health.
So, how do you tell the difference between truth and fiction when it comes you your pelvis? And what do you really need to know when you’re trying to stay healthy? Read on to learn all about the top myths about pelvic health.
Contents
1. Only Women Have Pelvis Issues
One common myth is that pelvis issues only happen in women, or people with female reproductive systems. That’s actually incorrect. Men can also suffer from pelvic floor problems.
A related myth is that only elderly people or people who have given birth will have pelvic dysfunction. While rates are higher in those people, they’re not the only ones who can suffer from issues.
2. Pain is Normal
Some people believe that the pain they feel in their pelvic region is normal, particularly during sexual intercourse. That’s just not true. If you’re feeling pain, there might be treatable reasons that’s happening.
The relationship between your pelvic floor and sex is very important. If you have a lot of pain and discomfort during sex, or at other times, you should bring it up with your primary healthcare provider as soon as you possibly can.
3. Kegels Can Help With Everything
There is a lot of mysinformation about kegel exercises in particular. These exercises are where you tighten your pelvic floor muscles and then release them. They do have a lot of benefits, including for your pelvic floor.
But the common adage that you should be doing them every day isn’t true. Instead, you should focus on doing them right, not doing them constantly.
And, kegel exercises can’t help with every pelvic floor issue. Other intervention is often needed. Some pelvic issues require surgery, for example. Others may require pelvic floor physiotherapy with a professional to help reduce the problem.
4. Pelvic Floor Weakness Is The Only Pelvic Problem
Because pelvic floor weakness is the pelvic problem we hear the most about, many people assume that it’s the only pelvic issue you can really be suffering from. Unfortunately, there are many other pelvic problems you may be struck with. You can have overly tight pelvic muscles, which cause the opposite problems as pelvic floor weakness. You may even have pelvic floor muscle spasms.
And, weakness, tightness, and spasms can all result in other, different health issues, other than the commonly heard incontinence and sexual dysfunction. You could be suffering from back pain, for example, that you may not even associate with pelvic floor problems. You can even end up with more significant problems, like uterine prolapse.
Strengthen Your Pelvic Health Today
Now that you know what you don’t need to worry about when it comes to your pelvic health, you can work towards taking positive measures to improve your health.
Are you searching for more health advice? Take a look at some of our other helpful posts for more of what you need to know.
