Ask a Pelvic Health Expert

Kylie Hayes-Akers, PT, DPT
CAPP-Pelvic
Pelvic Floor Therapist

Kylie specializes in pelvic floor therapy and leads our Memorial Pelvic Health Rehabilitation program. She works with men and women to treat common pelvic floor conditions, like urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and abdominal pain – as well as intra-partum and post-partum patients. Additionally, in 2023, she added training in pelvic floor dry needling to her expertise. This can be utilized to treat urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, vulvodynia, dyspareunia, pudendal neuralgia, and pelvic organ prolapse.

937 578 7841

Q. Do only women struggle with pelvic floor issues?

A: You might assume that pelvic floor issues are something that only women have to worry about. However, while pelvic floor dysfunction is more common in women (affecting nearly 1 in 3 women) – men also struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction (affecting nearly 1 in 8 men).

Q. When do we use our pelvic floors?

A: In both women and men, the pelvic floor is a hammock-like network of muscles, ligaments, and fascia that stretches from our pubic bones to our tailbones. For women, the pelvic floor supports the uterus, bladder, and rectum. And, for men, it supports the prostate, bladder, and rectum.

There are times when we may not realize we’re using our pelvic floors, like when we sneeze, tighten our core, or laugh. Other times we may find it more obvious, like when we’re going to the bathroom, engaging in sexual activity, pregnant and growing a baby, or giving birth vaginally.

Q. Will I know if I have pelvic floor dysfunction?

A: There’s a chance you could be struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction and not realize it. Maybe you’ve been living with your symptoms for a while and know them to be normal, or your symptoms are being overshadowed by other conditions.

Here are things to consider:

1. Are your bathroom habits normal?

• • Going pee 5 to 8 times daily is considered normal.
  • Having bowel movements 3 times daily to 3 times weekly is considered normal.

2. Are you experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?
   

   Common symptoms:

• • Urinary leakage
  • Constipation
  • Bowel leakage
  • Heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
  • Painful intercourse
  • Pelvic pain (burning, stinging, or sharp pain in the genitals)
  • Abdominal pain or bloating

3. Urinary leakage is common, but not normal.
   

   Urinary leakage is any involuntary loss of urine at any time. It’s more than simply not making it to the bathroom on time, it’s also leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or jump.

4. Taking this pelvic health questionnaire can help you identify potential pelvic floor dysfunction.

Q. How can I keep my pelvic floor healthy?

A: Here are some recommendations for maintaining the health of your pelvic floor if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms of dysfunction:

• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Stop going to the bathroom before you leave the house “just in case”
• Stay hydrated
• Engage in cardio exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling
• Eat a high-fiber diet

However, if you are experiencing symptoms, pelvic floor therapy can help improve your condition.

Q. I’ve been silently struggling with pelvic floor issues because I feel embarrassed. What should I do?

A: Talking about your pelvic floor may seem like too much information (TMI), but it is something to talk with your doctor about – especially when you have concerns about your bladder, bowel, or sexual functions.

While pelvic floor dysfunction is common, it should not be accepted as normal or tolerable. And unfortunately, it won’t improve on its own. Guidance from your doctor will help you determine if pelvic floor rehabilitation is your next step and get you one step closer to a healthier pelvic floor.

A referral from your doctor is recommended for Memorial pelvic health rehabilitation services.

Start the discussion with your doctor, and let’s work on improving your pelvic floor together! Appointments can be scheduled by calling Memorial Therapy & Rehabilitation at (937) 578-7841, or having your provider fax a referral to (937) 578-7891.