Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of people worldwide, yet it’s still widely misunderstood. It happens when the muscles in your pelvic area become weakened, overactive, or can’t coordinate properly – all of which can impact your core stability, continence and sexual function.1
Despite how common these problems are, many people don’t get the help they deserve. That’s why this Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Awareness Month, we’re tackling some of the biggest myths and misconceptions out there – because pelvic floor knowledge is power.
Myth #1:
Pelvic floor problems only affect women.
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender or life stage.2 While PFD is often associated with childbirth and menopause, these problems can also impact men, leading to issues like erectile dysfunction and ejaculation difficulties. Athletes who engage in high-impact sports may also experience symptoms such as urinary leakage or pelvic pain. Activities like running and jumping place repeated pressure on the pelvic floor, which has been linked to increased muscle strain and dysfunction.3
Myth #2:
Pelvic floor problems usually go away on their own.
The good news? Pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable. Bladder leaks and other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction sometimes don’t go away on their own though – and may even get worse over time if left untreated. Treatment options like pelvic floor physical therapy and medication can take a few months to show results, but most people who stick with their care plan notice real, lasting improvements.4
Myth #3:
Bladder leaks are an inevitable part of ageing.
While getting older can make bladder control issues more likely, incontinence isn’t just something you have to accept with age. Pelvic floor weakness, hormonal changes and lifestyle can all play a part. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, but a healthcare professional can help you find the right mix of lifestyle tweaks, exercises and treatments to get things back on track.5
Myth #4:
No Symptoms? No need to think about it.
Keeping on top of your pelvic floor health isn’t just for people experiencing symptoms – it matters for everyone. Just like we look after our heart or muscles with exercise and regular check-ups, protecting your pelvic floor helps support your overall wellbeing. Simple things like doing pelvic floor exercises, eating well, staying active, and keeping an eye on your bathroom habits can make a big difference and help prevent problems down the line.6
Myth #5:
Kegel exercises aren’t very effective.
Kegels are exercises designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and keep them in good shape. They involve tightening and releasing the muscles you’d use to stop the flow of urine or hold in wind.7 Many people find Kegels tricky because it’s not always clear which muscles to activate – and without proper guidance, it’s easy to feel unsure about what you’re doing.8
If that sounds familiar, you might want to try Empelvic. The award-winning training cushion was developed by a clinician to help people train their pelvic floor effectively and intuitively. With variations for both men and women, Empelvic combines tactile pressure with breathwork exercises to help you identify and activate the right muscles – without all the guesswork.
If you’ve tried a few things and nothing seems to be helping, and you’re still dealing with ongoing symptoms or concerns, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional. They can help you figure out what’s going on and guide you toward the right support.
Sources:
1 NCBI Bookshelf
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2019) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559246/ (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
2 Mayo Clinic News Network
Weiss, C. (2022) Pelvic floor disorder awareness. Mayo Clinic News Network. Available at: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pelvic-floor-disorder-awareness/ (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
3 OpenLearn – Open University
Open University. (n.d.) Succeeding in postgraduate study: Session 5: 8.1 Referencing systems. Available at: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=116023§ion=5 (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
4 Cleveland Clinic – Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14459-pelvic-floor-dysfunction (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
5 Hartmann – Loss of Bladder Control
Hartmann. (n.d.) Loss of bladder control. Available at: https://www.hartmann.info/en-hk/articles/e/6/loss-of-bladder-control (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
6 Biology Insights – Urinary Incontinence and Aging
Biology Insights. (2025) Is urinary incontinence a normal part of aging?. Available at: https://biologyinsights.com/is-urinary-incontinence-a-normal-part-of-aging/ (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
7 Alliance Urology – Pelvic Floor Myths
Alliance Urology. (n.d.) 8 myths about the pelvic floor. Available at: https://allianceurology.com/8-myths-about-the-pelvic-floor/ (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
8 Cleveland Clinic – Kegel Exercises
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) Kegel Exercises: Benefits, How To & Results. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14611-kegel-exercises (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
