
5 Compelling Reasons to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
Women’s health is often a topic that’s shrouded in stigma. Whether it’s feeling embarrassed about buying products like pantyliners or lubricants, avoiding discussions with friends or doctors, or simply not addressing issues with your own body, many of us have been taught to ignore the health concerns that make us uncomfortable. One area that often gets overlooked is the pelvic floor.
Many women are unfamiliar with the pelvic floor and the exercises that can help strengthen it. I used to be one of them, too. During my health journey, I paid little attention to what was happening below the waist—mainly because of the shame many of us inherit around discussing our bodies. However, neglecting this part of our health can lead to some significant challenges, particularly as we age.
Pelvic floor issues can manifest in many ways, from minor leaks when coughing or sneezing, to pelvic pain, and even diminished sexual pleasure. But here’s the good news: strengthening your pelvic floor can alleviate many of these issues.
Today, I’m bringing in expert Isa Herrera, a pelvic health specialist, to share the top five reasons why every woman should prioritize pelvic floor health. Isa has worked with thousands of women worldwide and has helped many address these issues with simple, at-home exercises. Here are Isa’s insights on why it’s crucial to strengthen your pelvic floor.
1. Sitting Too Much
In today’s world, sitting has become the norm. Whether at work, during commutes, or when relaxing, many of us spend several hours sitting each day. This extended sitting causes more harm than we realize, especially for the pelvic floor muscles. Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle weakness, and when coupled with poor posture or non-ergonomic seating, it exacerbates the problem.
2. Leaking Urine When You Cough or Sneeze
For many women, a small accident when coughing or sneezing seems like just a normal part of aging or after childbirth. But this doesn’t have to be the case. After years of working with women experiencing this issue, I can confidently say that pelvic floor exercises can eliminate this problem. No longer do you have to accept leaks or constant bathroom runs as just “part of getting older.” Strengthening your pelvic floor can help you regain control over your bladder, meaning no more relying on pantyliners.
3. Persistent Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is a significant problem that affects many women, yet doctors often fail to find the root cause. This can leave women frustrated as they visit one specialist after another, only to receive painkillers as the go-to solution. But the cause of many pelvic pain issues can be traced back to an imbalanced pelvic floor. Fortunately, specific pelvic floor exercises—such as the “unkegel”—can help relax tight muscles and alleviate pain. These exercises are a far better alternative than merely masking the symptoms with medication.
4. Avoiding Surgery or Injections
For some women, their pelvic floor issues may lead to considerations for surgery or injections as a solution. However, before turning to invasive procedures, I strongly encourage exploring less invasive options like pelvic floor therapy. Some women, especially those who have undergone treatments like chemotherapy, may experience weakened pelvic muscles or dry tissues. Instead of opting for surgery or injections, pelvic floor exercises can often provide significant relief. It’s important to remember that surgical options, like the controversial transvaginal mesh, are no longer recommended due to safety concerns.
5. Impact on Your Sex Life
One of the most common side effects of pelvic floor dysfunction is a decline in sexual enjoyment. Many women with pelvic issues avoid intimacy due to pain or discomfort. Studies have shown that women with urinary incontinence or prolapse are less likely to engage in sexual activity and more likely to experience sexual dysfunction. The good news is that strengthening your pelvic floor can lead to increased sexual satisfaction. Stronger pelvic muscles often mean better orgasms and a rekindled desire for intimacy.
Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor in Just Minutes a Day
You might be wondering how to get started with pelvic floor exercises. The great news is that strengthening these muscles doesn’t require much time—just a few minutes a day. These exercises can be done while you’re doing other tasks like washing dishes or even sitting at your desk. It’s essential to incorporate pelvic floor exercises into your routine, even if you’re not currently experiencing any issues. Prevention is key to maintaining muscle strength and avoiding future problems.
In fact, studies show that a significant portion of women, especially those over 40, experience some form of pelvic floor weakness. But the good news is that strengthening these muscles can help prevent further complications down the line.
If you’re interested in taking your pelvic health to the next level, consider checking out my V-Core Lift Essential Program. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable way to strengthen your pelvic floor and reclaim your well-being.
Take Control of Your Health
Remember, you are the CEO of your health. By incorporating pelvic floor exercises into your routine, you’re taking a proactive step toward better health and well-being. You deserve to feel confident, healthy, and strong in every aspect of your life, including your pelvic floor health.
I hope Isa’s expert advice has helped empower you to take control of this often-neglected aspect of your health. Start strengthening your pelvic floor today—it’s easier than you think!