Your pelvic floor deserves more credit than it gets. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing your spine, regulating your bowels, enhancing your sex life, and supporting pregnancies. But as menopause approaches, issues with your pelvic floor that you thought were in the past can resurface and worsen. It’s important not to overlook these symptoms and to discuss them with your doctor.
In menopause, hormone changes, muscle loss, physical damage, and past trauma can all contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. It’s crucial to understand how menopause affects your pelvic floor and when to seek medical advice.
One common issue in menopause is urinary leakage. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to incontinence, affecting over 50% of postmenopausal women. Strengthening exercises like Kegels and guidance from a pelvic floor therapist can help.
Constipation is another common issue in menopause due to hormonal changes. Learning relaxation techniques, eating high-fiber foods, staying hydrated, and exercising can help with bowel movements.
Pelvic organ prolapse, where organs bulge into the vagina, can also occur during menopause. Hormone therapy, pessaries, and pelvic floor therapy can help manage this condition.
Pelvic floor rigidity and muscle spasms are often a result of pelvic floor dysfunction, leading to pain and discomfort. Managing symptoms and learning relaxation techniques can help reduce muscle tension.
Sexual pain or discomfort can also be a result of pelvic floor issues. Relaxation techniques, pelvic floor therapy, and using aids like vaginal dilators or lubricants can help improve sexual function during menopause.
Overall, proactive measures like Kegels, relaxation techniques, and seeking guidance from medical professionals can help manage pelvic floor dysfunction during menopause effectively. It’s important to prioritize your pelvic health as you navigate this stage of life.
