The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum, keeping them in their proper positions within the pelvis. When these muscles weaken—a condition known as Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)—the organs can shift downward, leading to various symptoms:
- Bladder prolapse can cause urinary leakage
- Vaginal or uterine prolapse may lead to reduced sensation or, in severe cases, the uterus or vaginal walls may descend outside the body
- Rectal prolapse can result in fecal incontinence.
PFD can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life—affecting social confidence, self-esteem, and mental health. Despite its prevalence, PFD is often under-discussed. Yet, it affects millions and costs more in treatment annually than breast, ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers combined.
Pelvic floor issues can run in families, and even if you’re symptom-free now, you may be at risk in the future—especially after childbirth, with age, or due to hormonal changes.