Stress Awareness Month: Let’s talk pelvic floor health 

Stress Awareness Month:

We all experience stress in our live

We all experience stress in our lives – it’s a natural response to external factors around us. In fact, 74% of adults have felt so stressed at some point over the past year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.1 As part of Stress Awareness Month’s #LeadWithLove initiative, we wanted to focus on one hidden stressor that affects millions of men and women worldwide – it’s time to talk about pelvic health issues.

 

What is the pelvic floor?  

A master of multitasking, the pelvic floor is a collection of muscles that stretch from your pubic bone in the front of your body to your tailbone at the back. This hammock-like structure in the pelvis works hard to stabilise your core and protect your organs, all while powering essential bodily functions like pooping, weeing and having sex. And, if it didn’t have enough to do already, it’s also a key enabler for erections, ejaculation and orgasms.2

 

32% of women and 16% of men will have at least one pelvic floor disorder at one time in their life.3 

Problems arise when your pelvic floor becomes weak, too tight or when these muscles can’t relax and coordinate properly – also known as pelvic floor dysfunction. You might experience symptoms like constipation, straining, incontinence, and needing to wee frequently. Women might also experience pain during sex, and men could have problems getting and keeping and erection.4

Whether it’s you or someone you care about, pelvic floor dysfunction is more than just a physical inconvenience – the side effects can disrupt your routines, get in the way of your social life, and have a real impact on your closest relationships. Over time, this can really start to take a toll on your mental health, causing feelings of shame, stress and embarrassment.

 

What can you do?  

Thankfully, there are many ways you can work on training your pelvic floor muscles. Just 5 minutes of pelvic floor exercises a day can help you take control and combat the side effects. Progress varies from person to person. It could take from a few weeks to a few months to see improvements, but if you stick to your treatment plan, many people notice a difference and some even manage to eliminate their symptoms altogether.5 Empelvic uses tactile pressure points and guided breathing techniques to help you train around your life, with cushions designed for both men and women. Just 5 minutes of these exercises a day could help you combat side effects and take back control.
 

Vanessa’s story

‘Using Empelvic has helped me to learn about my body, breathing techniques and my pelvic floor. It's helped me recognise the importance of having that control and what it means to my day-to-day life. Taking ownership of this aspect has been a positive experience and has led to being more confident to try more activities.’

Stress Awareness Month: top tips 

Signs to watch out for, along with tips on how to be kind to yourself this month and beyond:

  1. Cancelling plans: Fear of bladder leaks or sudden urges might make you hesitant to go out, leading to avoidance of social events or anxiety around travelling.
    Top tip: Chat with your friends about what’s on your mind. If they know what you’re going through, they can help plan get-togethers that make you feel comfortable and at ease.
  2. Avoiding exercise: Running, dancing, or even laughing too hard can trigger symptoms, causing you to steer clear of exercise and other fun activities.Top tip: Try activities like walking, swimming, or yoga – these are gentler on your pelvic floor, but will still give you those feel-good health benefits.
  3. Relationship strain: Feeling uncomfortable or worried about symptoms can make intimacy tough, which might put stress on your relationship with your partner.Top tip: Opening up about what you’re dealing with can help them understand and support you better. Together, you can find ways to stay close and keep the intimacy alive in ways that work for both of you.
  4. Bathroom anxiety: The thought of having an accident in public can cause constant worry and embarrassment, affecting your confidence and self-esteem.
    Top tip: Plan ahead and be prepared. Before heading out, identify nearby toilets and pack a small emergency kit with essentials. This way, you’ll feel more confident and relaxed.
  5. Progress frustration: Feeling discouraged because the improvements you expected to see from your pelvic floor training aren't happening as quickly as you'd hoped.
    Top tip: Whatever you do, don’t give up! Everyone’s journey to progress is unique. Create a calm and inspiring space for your pelvic floor exercises – a mindful place you enjoy spending time in will help you stay motivated. It’s a good idea to keep a journal too, so you can track your milestones and celebrate how far you’ve come.
    Talk to someone Remember, you’re not alone in experiencing pelvic health stress, and many people face similar challenges. Talking to your GP about your symptoms and their effects on your mental health is an important step towards finding relief and improving your quality of life. Together, you can explore the treatments and solutions that are right for you.

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