Break the Silence: Empowering Women on Pelvic Floor Health

a candid chat with Kim Wenger Hall, breaking taboos and dispelling common myths

I'm so excited to share with you all about a topic that is deeply personal and that is also often shrouded in secrecy: pelvic floor health.

Let's face it, our pelvic floor muscles don't exactly get the red-carpet treatment when it comes to conversations about our well-being. But these powerful muscles play a vital role in everything from bladder control and sexual function to core stability and posture.

So, why the silence? 

For many of us, there's a sense of embarrassment or shame associated with our pelvic floor. We might have misconceptions or simply not know where to start.

But here's the thing: pelvic floor health is for every woman, regardless of whether you've had kids, your age, or your fitness level. 

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting, taking care of your pelvic floor can have a profound impact on your overall health and happiness.

In today's post, I want to break down some of the common myths and taboos surrounding pelvic floor health and open up a space for honest conversation.

But first, I want to share candidly on my journey with pelvic floor dysfunction to help show you that pelvic floor health is a relevant conversation for ALL women, not just women who have given birth.

women of all ages can suffer from - and heal from - pelvic floor dysfunction!

My journey with pelvic floor dysfunction 

The issues with my pelvic floor started when I was a teenager, even a preteen, suffering from anorexia and bulimia. I was also doing tons of gymnastics, stretching too much, and long-distance running. 

At around age 15, I had a horseback riding accident where I barrel-rolled off a falling horse and into a tree. This fractured two of my lumbar vertebrae. Though the injury wasn't severe, it likely didn't help my body's health. I also had mild scoliosis that worsened with this injury.

Flash forward to my college years: I was bartending and waiting tables, abusing my body. You might go 6 hours without peeing (spoiler that is not great for pelvic floor health)! Then, I worked as a professional muralist and decorative painter, climbing ladders, hauling paint buckets, putting up scaffolding, and generally not listening to my body's cues.

When I was around 26 or 27, I was diagnosed with a benign ovarian tumor that had to be removed. It was larger than anticipated, and they had to open me up at the bikini line, leaving me with about 5 inches of stitches. Unfortunately, the painkillers made me violently ill, and vomiting with a big suture was excruciating. I was told this likely strained my pelvic floor muscles.

Not long after that, I had a big fall climbing a rope at the gym – about two stories high. My trainer's gloves slipped off as I was at the top, and I fell straight down on my right side, nearly fracturing it. This definitely jacked up my pelvis. 

That's when I noticed my urinary incontinence getting worse. I'd always thought I was just holding my urine too long: urge incontinence or stress incontinence with activities like running, jumping, playing beach volleyball, laughing, and sneezing. These would cause quick bursts of leaks.

A few years later, I did my yoga teacher training and learned the value of pelvic floor health, breathwork, and tuning into my body. 

Once I started diving into the causes of pelvic floor dysfunction, I never thought it would apply to me because I hadn't had children.

The Wider Picture

I used to think only women who had given birth suffered from incontinence issues, but when I started chatting with other women, I realized pretty much everyone had these concerns at some point in time. 

Working at a nursing home, I saw how many women struggled with prolapse, UTIs, and recurring pelvic issues. It got me thinking about how the work I do could help prevent this discomfort and embarrassment later in life.

The Medical System's Disservice to Women

The medical system, in my experience, often fails women when it comes to pelvic floor health. It feels like they rush women towards solutions like bladder sling surgery without fully exploring other options or even properly explaining the risks and potential downsides of these procedures.

I've seen firsthand how many women, myself included, were unaware of the various factors that could contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and how little information they received about non-surgical approaches like pelvic floor physical therapy. 

It's frustrating to think that so many women might be going through unnecessary surgery and potential complications simply because they weren't empowered to explore all their options.

It feels like the system prioritizes quick fixes over truly addressing the root causes of the problem and educating women about their pelvic health. This can leave women feeling unheard, dismissed, and ultimately not in control of their own healthcare decisions.

Does what I am sharing strike a cord with you in your experience as a woman? If it does, I am here to tell you that you are NOT alone and there is more support available to you than you may realize outside of the traditional medical system.

Let's debunk some myths:

Now I am going to debunk some common myths surrounding pelvic floor health.

Myth #1: Pelvic floor issues only affect women after childbirth. 

False! 

While pregnancy and childbirth can certainly impact the pelvic floor, many other causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are independent of childbirth. These include heavy lifting, constant straining (such as chronic coughing), pelvic floor surgery, menopause, and just aging in general.

Myth #2: Kegels are the only answer. 

False!

While Kegels can offer some benefits for pelvic floor dysfunction - they certainly are not a one-stop-shop approach to pelvic floor health. Everyone's pelvic floor dysfunction is unique, affects different parts of the pelvic floor, and may be caused by either too tight or too weak muscles. This means that if you only do kegels, you may make things worse. A well-rounded pelvic floor routine is individualized and incorporates breathing techniques, relaxation, and deep core work around the entire core (which includes the pelvic floor).

>>> Take a deep dive into going Beyond the Kegel with my Core and Floor Foundations workshop!

Myth #3: There's nothing you can do if you have a pelvic floor issue. 

Absolutely not true! 

The medical system may leave you believing you're stuck with what you've got or the only option is serious surgery, but this is not the case. With the right guidance and exercises from pelvic floor specialists, you can strengthen your pelvic floor and improve your symptoms.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Listen to your body: Pay attention to any pain, discomfort, or changes in your bathroom habits. These could be signs of a pelvic floor issue.

• Work on linking your breath with your pelvic floor: By becoming sensitive to the expansion and contraction of these muscles, you can start to identify where your issues lie.

• Seek professional guidance: This is the biggest piece of advice I can offer to someone experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor or a pelvic floor therapist. They can assess your individual needs and create a personalized plan.

• Integrate pelvic floor awareness into your yoga practice: Many yoga poses can benefit your pelvic floor health. However, it's important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed (try one of my weekly yoga for the pelvic floor live classes to learn how to do this!).

• Be patient and consistent: Just like with any other aspect of your health, seeing results takes time and dedication.

Get started on your journey to pelvic floor health with my free 7-day challenge!

Remember, taking care of your pelvic floor is an investment in your overall well-being. By breaking the silence and having open conversations, we can all feel empowered to take charge of our pelvic health and live our best lives!!