Menopause is a significant transition in many individuals’ lives, marked by a natural decline in reproductive hormones. While menopause is a normal occurrence, it often brings physical changes that can affect everyday well-being, especially in the pelvic region. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) can be a powerful tool in helping people navigate these changes, offering relief from symptoms and promoting overall pelvic health.
Why the Pelvic Floor Is Important During Menopause
The pelvic floor consists of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support key organs like the bladder, uterus, and bowel. These muscles control essential functions, such as urination, bowel movements, and sexual health. During menopause, hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen, can impact the function of these muscles.
Common pelvic floor-related issues during menopause include:
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Urinary incontinence
- This is leakage of urine that can occur during activities such as jumping, running, lifting, or with coughing, sneezing or laughing.
- Leakage may also occur related to urgency and an inability to get to the bathroom in time.
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Pelvic organ prolapse
- This is a descent of one or more of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, bowel).
- It may be experienced as heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region.
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Pain during intercourse
- Pain during or after intimacy can be due to a variety of reasons, such as vaginal dryness, or tight or weakened muscles.
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Chronic pelvic pain
- This is often exacerbated by muscle imbalances.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address these issues, improving quality of life for people of all genders experiencing menopause.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy During Menopause
- Strengthening Pelvic Muscles
If it is appropriate, PFPT can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which may weaken as estrogen levels decline. Strengthening exercises can restore muscle tone, which may help improve bladder control and reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
- Improving Bladder Control
Many people experience forms of urinary incontinence during menopause, but it’s not something you just have to live with! A pelvic floor physical therapist can tailor exercises to retrain the muscles that control urination, reducing leaks and giving you more confidence in your daily activities.
- Alleviating Pelvic Pain
Hormonal changes can contribute to pain during sex and chronic pelvic pain due to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal tissues. PFPT can help improve muscle tone and reduce inappropriate tension, improving circulation, and addressing posture or alignment issues that may be contributing to pain.
- Supporting Sexual Health
Menopause-related changes like vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse can negatively affect sexual health and intimacy. PFPT focuses on optimizing muscle function to facilitate blood flow to the pelvic area, and help enhance comfort and overall sexual function, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Preventing and Managing Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse, where organs such as the bladder or uterus lower into the vaginal canal, can become more common during and after menopause. PFPT can help prevent and manage mild to moderate prolapse by improving muscle tone and teaching strategies to avoid undue strain on the pelvic floor structures.
What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Your pelvic floor therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to understand your specific symptoms, medical history, and goals. Therapy may involve hands-on techniques, guided exercises, and lifestyle changes to improve pelvic floor function. You will also learn how to maintain the health and function of your pelvic floor muscles as part of a long-term strategy for pelvic wellness.
Taking Control of Your Pelvic Health During Menopause
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an empowering step for anyone experiencing menopause. It provides a safe, non-invasive way to address uncomfortable symptoms, prevent future issues, and improve overall well-being. If you’re navigating the changes of menopause and experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pelvic floor physical therapist for support.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take control of your pelvic health during menopause, schedule a consultation with the team at Treasure Valley Pelvic Health today. We’re here to help you regain confidence, comfort, and control!
In Health,
The Team at Treasure Valley Pelvic Health
