Why So Many Women Suffer in Silence with Pelvic Health Problems

Pelvic health issues are far more common than many people realise, yet they are rarely spoken about openly. In fact, a staggering 1 in 3 women will experience a pelvic health problem at some point during their lifetime. Despite how common these conditions are, many women continue to suffer in silence, often believing their symptoms are simply something they must “put up with.” Let our Women's Health Physiotherpist, Gonda Lewis, talk you through how physiotherapy can help.

The reality is that pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable, and with the right assessment and support, many women can see significant improvements in their symptoms, comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic health problems can affect women of all ages — from young athletes to new mothers and women during and after menopause. Symptoms may include:

• Urinary incontinence or urinary frequency

• Urgency and the frequent feeling of needing to urinate

• Faecal incontinence

• Constipation

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pelvic, hip, or lower back pain

• Discomfort during exercise or daily activities

For some women, symptoms may be mild and occasional. For others, they can become life-limiting, affecting confidence, sleep, exercise, intimacy, work, and social life.

The Pelvic Health Statistics Are Startling

Research and clinical experience continue to show just how widespread pelvic floor problems are:

• 20% of women experience urinary incontinence from childhood, after childbirth, or following menopause

• 25% of women experience urge incontinence — the sudden and frequent need to urinate

• 55% of women have never performed pelvic floor exercises correctly, or do not know how to do them at all

Perhaps even more concerning is how few women seek professional help:

• 69% of women have never discussed their symptoms with a medical professional

• 53% never seek help at all

• 39% believe these symptoms are simply part of being a woman or ageing

• 21% feel too embarrassed to talk about it

Pelvic health issues are incredibly common, but they should never be considered “normal” or something you simply have to live with.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles shaped like a supportive hammock that stretches from the pubic bone at the front to the coccyx at the back. These muscles play a vital role in supporting the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs while also helping with continence, posture, stability, breathing, and core control.

The pelvic floor does not work alone. It is closely connected to the:

• Core muscles

• Diaphragm

• Hip muscles

• Deep abdominal muscles

• Lower back and posture systems

For the pelvic floor to function properly, all of these areas need to work together in a coordinated and balanced way.

What Can Cause Pelvic Floor Problems?

There are many reasons why pelvic floor dysfunction may develop. Common contributing factors include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Sports injuries or repetitive strain

• Lower back or hip problems

• Chronic coughing

• Chronic constipation and straining

• Heavy lifting or poor lifting technique

• Menopause and hormonal changes

• Obesity or increased abdominal pressure

• Previous surgery or trauma

Sometimes symptoms appear suddenly, while in other cases they develop gradually over many years.

What Happens During a Women’s Health Physiotherapy Appointment?

Many women feel nervous about seeking help, especially if they have been living with symptoms for a long time. A women’s health pelvic physiotherapist provides a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where your concerns will be taken seriously.

During your appointment, you will:

1. Be Listened To Carefully

Your physiotherapist will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Every woman’s experience is different, so your treatment should be individual to you.

2. Have a Thorough Assessment

This may include examining posture, breathing patterns, movement, core function, hip strength, and pelvic floor coordination.

3. Be Offered an Internal Examination (With Your Consent)

An internal examination can help assess how the pelvic floor muscles are functioning, including strength, tension, coordination, and areas of pain or weakness. This is always discussed fully beforehand and only performed with your consent.

4. Receive a Personalised Treatment Plan

You will be given a clear explanation of what is happening and a treatment plan tailored specifically to your body and symptoms.

Treatment May Include

Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than simply “doing Kegels.” Treatment may involve:

• Pelvic floor muscle retraining

• Relaxation and breathing techniques

• Manual therapy

• Core and hip rehabilitation

• Postural and movement correction

• Bladder and bowel advice

• Lifestyle and exercise guidance

• Education and self-management strategies

The goal is to restore balance, improve function, reduce symptoms, and help you feel confident in your body again.

You Do Not Have to Live With These Symptoms

Too many women accept pelvic health problems as an inevitable part of childbirth, ageing, or menopause. But support is available, and effective treatment can make a huge difference.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as leaking, urgency, pelvic heaviness, pain, or constipation, seeking help early can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your long-term pelvic health.

Book an Appointment

You deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and supported in your body. Booking an appointment with Gonda Lewis our women’s health spcialist physiotherapist is the first step towards understanding your symptoms and getting the correct help and treatment for you.