Too many women suffer needlessly in silence from women’s health conditions. Studies show that they tend to avoid bringing the subject up with their doctors.
In actual fact, there are many highly effective treatments for managing women-specific conditions such as DRAM, incontinence, pelvic girdle pain and pre & post-natal issues. The solutions are often simple, ranging from lifestyle changes and medications to physiotherapy.
Let us debunk the most common myths surrounding women’s health this International Women’s Day. We hope this article will help you to understand more about your body and keep the misconceptions away.
Don’t forget to also share this article with your family and friends to initiate these unspoken conversations – it’s time to talk!
Myth: Urinary incontinence is a normal part of childbearing and aging.
Fact: It is common but it is definitely not normal.
While the occurrence of incontinence is common among mothers and seniors, it must not be regarded as “normal”.
In Singapore, more than 15% of women suffer from stress urinary incontinence. Yet few women are talking about it and adapt by altering their lifestyles so as to avoid embarrassment.
Incontinence is a problem that can be successfully addressed and treated. Once you have made that important first step to get a consultation, you will be well on your way to regaining a more active and confident life!
Myth: Kegels are for everyone.
Fact: Kegels can do more harm than good in certain cases.
These pelvic floor exercises have become very popular but you might want to hold off and consult a professional first.
Kegels can make it worse if you already have an undiagnosed pelvic pain or tight pelvic floor muscles. It is like having pulled your bicep and then doing lots of bicep curls! During labour and delivery, your goal is also to relax the pelvic floor muscles and not to tense it up more.
Myth: Pelvic floor issues will not affect me as I had a C-section.
Fact: Your pelvic floor is not spared even if you had a C-section.
Vaginal delivery may be associated with a two-fold increase in your risk of contracting stress urinary incontinence. However, the weight and pressure of your foetus can trigger pelvic floor disorders regardless of the method of delivery.
Hormonal shifts and anatomical changes can affect your pelvic floor health from the start of your pregnancy. This brings us to the next point.
Myth: Pelvic floor physiotherapy is only for postpartum recovery.
Fact: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be beneficial for you during pregnancy and postpartum.
Not many women know about this but pelvic floor physiotherapy can be extremely beneficial for pain relief and prevention of any complications that may occur after delivery.
In addition, pelvic floor physiotherapy can also help to ease the delivery process. Together with your physiotherapist, you can learn how to best relax your pelvic floor and review the optimal positions for pushing.
Myth: Postpartum sex will be uncomfortable and there is nothing I can do about it.
Fact: It need not be with some tips and tricks.
If sex feels uncomfortable after childbirth, it can be an indication that something else is going on in your body. Active infection, tight pelvic floor muscles, scar tissue and hormone imbalances can be the cause.
Sex should not be painful and if it is, you should consult a women’s health physiotherapist on returning to sex after pregnancy and childbirth.
Don’t suffer in silence – PhysioActive can help
Let our women’s health specialists help you with your problems and fears in a comfortable environment. We provide evidence-based solutions for common problems such as DRAM, incontinence, pelvic girdle pain and pre & post-natal issues.
Also, don’t miss out on our special discount offered in conjunction with the International Women’s Day!
Book an Appointment with Our Women’s Health Specialists
Call: 6258 5602 (Camden Medical Centre)
Email: info@physioactive.sg
