Guide to Pelvic Health: Keeping Your Pelvic Floor Strong and Healthy

When was the last time you thought about your pelvis?

The pelvis, a structure that supports your upper body weight, enables essential movements like sitting, standing, walking, and running, and protects organs in your lower abdomen, is often overlooked until problems arise. Maintaining pelvic health, particularly the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, is crucial for various bodily functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual sensation, and supporting the uterus during pregnancy.

According to Dr. Ana Melissa H. Cabungcal of Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), ensuring strong pelvic floor muscles is key. Childbirth, surgery, aging, and lifestyle factors like heavy lifting and chronic coughing can weaken these muscles, leading to issues like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

To maintain pelvic health, one should strive to maintain an ideal weight to reduce pressure on pelvic organs. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are crucial for overall health and well-being, including pelvic health. Specific exercises like Kegels, which focus on contracting and relaxing pelvic floor muscles, can help. Proper technique is essential, as stopping urine midstream and holding for three seconds before releasing indicates correct execution.

In addition to Kegels, yoga and lower abdominal exercises can benefit pelvic floor muscles. Dietary choices, such as fiber intake and hydration to prevent constipation, and safe sexual practices also contribute to pelvic health. Avoiding excessive straining during bowel movements is essential.

If pelvic discomfort persists despite these measures, consulting a healthcare professional is advised. Doctors can provide treatments for infections, offer strategies for managing incontinence, and suggest surgical options for prolapse correction.

It's important to remember that pelvic health issues are common and nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking help from healthcare providers can improve quality of life significantly. For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter for updates and tips on maintaining pelvic health.