Why the pelvic floor weakens
A weak pelvic floor can be due to many reasons, including pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. But it's possible to take steps to strengthen these muscles with exercise, which can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) as well as other pelvic floor issues like leaking urine and incontinence. While some of these symptoms are more serious, many can be addressed through pelvic floor exercises.
Pain during sex
Dyspareunia, or pain during sex, affects 10% to 20% of women at some point in their lives, whether due to physical issues or psychological ones. It's worth speaking with your healthcare provider about this, since they can help diagnose the source of the discomfort and suggest an effective treatment plan. A strong pelvic floor supports the urethra and vagina and helps regulate incontinence, so weakness, caused by aging, pregnancy, menopause, or other changes in the body, can contribute to pain during sex.
A weak pelvic floor can also be linked to certain illnesses and conditions, such as endometriosis, or be an adverse reaction to medications like antidepressants or high blood pressure medication. Stress and anxiety may play a role as well.
Vaginal flatulence
Vaginal flatulence, sometimes called queefing, is the release of air trapped inside the vagina. It's completely normal and common among sexually active women, and trapped air can be released during movements like yoga, exercise, sex, pregnancy, or menopause, or even during a pelvic exam. The decrease in estrogen during menopause weakens the vaginal walls, which can allow more air to enter and be released. It can sound embarrassing, but in most cases it's a harmless issue that can be addressed by treating its underlying cause, so it's worth mentioning to your healthcare provider if it's frequent or bothersome.
Constant urge to pee and leaking urine
Pregnancy and childbirth are among the more common reasons the pelvic floor muscles weaken: carrying a growing baby puts sustained strain on the bladder. If this continues after giving birth, it's worth talking with your healthcare provider, who may suggest pelvic floor physical therapy to help you regain strength. Leaking urine is one of the most common signs of a weak pelvic floor, occurring when the muscles supporting the bladder and urethra can no longer do their job as well, a condition known as stress incontinence, which shows up as leakage when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or lift something. It's more common in women who have had children but can also follow surgery or other medical procedures. Other signs to watch for include vaginal dryness and an increased vulnerability to urinary tract infections.
When to seek treatment
If you notice any of these symptoms, or they don't go away on their own, it's important to see your doctor, who can diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan. Medications are available for urinary incontinence, while pelvic floor therapy works directly by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. If you'd like more information or want to schedule an appointment, reach out to our team today.