Pelvic Health is more important than you think

Pelvic health problems are more common than we know. Millions of women around the world are diagnosed with urinary incontinence induced by stress every year. Yet, pelvic health is often taken for granted. More often than not, women are unaware of possible pelvic floorThese are an important group of muscles located underside of... More concerns. In fact, pelvic health affects our body in many ways and also impacts our mental state. There are pelvic floor training exercises (also called Kegel exercises) that can help with additional tools like Kegel ballsKegel balls are small, weighted balls attached to a tether, ... More.

Signs of pelvic health concerns

There are a few evident signs of possible pelvic health conditions, including –

• Accidental leakage of urine while laughing or sneezing
• Inability to hold urine in the bladder for long
• Frequent urination
• Extreme constipation
• Losing control of the bladder
• Not having control over bowel movements
• Uterine prolapse
• A sense of heaviness in the vaginaThe vagina is a flexible and muscular reproductive organ in ... More often triggered an organ prolapse
• Pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse

While some of these signs and symptoms may seem minor, these can eventually lead to serious pelvic health concerns, requiring extensive treatment and surgery.

Can pelvic health affect your mental health?

The short answer is yes. Women, in general, often deal with unrealistic standards when it comes to body shape and beauty. Childbirth can further add to the stress because the body goes through numerous changes. Following childbirth, most women experience urinary incontinence and other issues related to pelvic health.
Women living with urinary incontinence often deal with the daily stress of reaching the bathroom in time. The stigma around menopauseThis is a phase when women are no longer ovulating or having... More, urinary incontinence, and pelvic health are real, and many women often have a hard time seeking medical attention for their symptoms. All of that can impact one’s mental health, overall wellbeing, and how they eventually mingle with other people. There is also apprehension about trying pelvic floor exercises and tools such as Kegel Balls that are known to improve the strength of pelvic muscles.
It is time that women let go of the unrealistic ideals to embrace pelvic health concerns as real health problems.

Invest in good Kegel balls

Pelvic floor muscles need exercise, just like the rest of your body. Also called Ben Wa balls, Kegel Balls are weighted and can help strengthen the vagina and pelvic floor muscles. Check for Domina Kegel Balls, which are made of medical-grade silicone and stainless steel. As you insert these balls into the vagina, use the vaginal muscles to hold the balls in place. Just using these Kegel balls for three to six minutes every day can strengthen the pelvic & vaginal muscles over time.
Kegel Balls can help with –

• Preventing stress-induced urine leakage
• Aid vaginal health post-childbirth
• Reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse
• Improve vaginal health
• Increase blood flow to the vagina

Adopt the right lifestyle

Diet and nutrition also have a dominant role in pelvic health, especially after childbirth and after the age of 40. A few lifestyle changes can also help prevent pelvic organ prolapse and other issues related to the pelvic floor muscles –

1. Reimagine your diet.

Eat a diet that’s rich in fibre, which will reduce the pressure on the pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements. If you have chronic constipation, consider talking to your doctor about using laxatives.

2. Watch your water intake.

Make sure that you are drinking water all through the day. When you drink too much water at once, it puts undue pressure on the bladder and the pelvic floor muscles. Get advice from your doctor about ideal daily fluid intake.

3. Lose weight.

If you are overweight, consider losing the extra pounds. Exercise, in general, can help your pelvic muscles, and with Kegel exercises in the mix, you can prevent the most common concerns. At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is a must.

If you have a chronic cough, you need to check with your doctor immediately for treatment. Every time you cough or sneeze, it adds pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. When that happens too frequently, you may end up losing control of your bladder and may leak urine.

If you are new to Kegel balls and pelvic floor exercises, go easy with the weights. Kegel balls from Domina are available in different sizes, and you can train your vaginal/pelvic muscles with time.

Try to think beyond your waistline – Your pelvic floor needs as much attention.