From Pregnancy To Menopause: Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Is Key to Women’s Health

Many women don’t think about their pelvic floor until something starts to feel off — maybe a bit of leakage when laughing or exercising, or a strange heaviness down below. But these muscles quietly do a lot more than we realise. They support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, help with bladder and bowel control, and even affect sexual function and posture.

The truth is, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or even years of everyday strain can weaken these muscles. Dr Sindura Ganga R, Consultant - Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Centre for Women and Child Health, Arete Hospitals, explains why pelvic floor therapy is vital for women not just during pregnancy or menopause but throughout life.

Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps

Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about doing Kegel exercises at home. It’s a structured, guided way to help these muscles regain strength, coordination, and flexibility. According to Dr Sindura, “Many women come to me after childbirth complaining of leakage, a heavy feeling in the pelvis, or pain during intimacy. Others, especially around menopause, notice urgency, vaginal laxity, or discomfort. These are not things you have to live with.”

Here’s what pelvic floor therapy can improve:

• Bladder control – reducing leaks and urgency
• Core and posture strength – improving stability and reducing back pain
• Comfort – During sex, exercise, and daily movement
• Confidence – helping women feel in control of their bodies again

Dr Sindura adds, “When the pelvic muscles are strong and coordinated, everything from walking to lifting to laughing feels easier. It’s about restoring function and confidence.”

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What Therapy Looks Like

A pelvic floor therapist assesses how tight, weak, or uncoordinated your muscles are, and then builds a plan that’s personal to you.

Therapy often includes:

• Targeted exercises to strengthen or relax muscles
• Biofeedback tools to help identify the right muscles
• Hands-on techniques to release tightness or improve flexibility
• Guidance on posture, breathing, and daily habits that support the pelvic area

When to Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy

You don’t have to wait for symptoms to get severe. Dr Sindura explains, “The earlier you address pelvic floor changes, the better the results.”

Signs you might benefit include:

• Leaking urine when coughing, laughing, or exercising
• A feeling of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty passing urine or stool
• Frequent urinary infections

Even if symptoms are mild, therapy can stop them from worsening and help prevent future issues.

Talking About It Isn’t Embarrassing

Pelvic floor problems can feel awkward to discuss but they’re incredibly common. “There’s nothing shameful about asking for help,” says Dr Sindura. “These are medical concerns, not personal failings. The more openly we talk about them, the more women can access the care they deserve.”

Opening up about symptoms can also help doctors rule out other causes and tailor the right therapy, sometimes even preventing the need for medication or surgery.

Making Pelvic Floor Care a Daily Habit

Like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor benefits from consistency. “Therapy doesn’t stop when you leave the clinic,” says Dr Sindura. “Simple things like maintaining good posture, breathing correctly, avoiding heavy strain, and being mindful during daily activities go a long way.”

She suggests building small habits, such as:

• Sitting upright and avoiding slouching
• Engaging your core gently when lifting
• Avoid holding your breath during effort
• Doing a few minutes of guided exercises daily

“These small steps help women stay active, pain-free, and confident as they move through life,” she adds.

A study published in the International Urogynecology Journal supports pelvic floor muscle training as an effective treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. It demonstrated improved muscle strength, reduced symptoms, and a higher quality of life for treated women.

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Why It’s Worth Prioritising

The benefits of pelvic floor therapy go far beyond physical relief. It helps women regain a sense of autonomy over their bodies. As Dr Sindura puts it, “When you strengthen these muscles, you’re not just improving bladder control, you’re improving your quality of life.” Investing a little time and attention in pelvic health can make everyday life smoother, more comfortable, and more confident at every stage of womanhood.