As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I’ve had countless women walk into our office feeling frustrated, embarrassed, or even hopeless about their symptoms. More often than not, they tell me, “I thought this was just something I had to live with.”

Whether it’s bladder leakage, painful intimacy, or a constant feeling of pressure in the pelvis, these issues are incredibly common—but that doesn’t mean they’re normal. Unfortunately, many women are never taught how their pelvic floor works or that help is available. So today, I’m sharing three essential things I wish every woman knew about her pelvic health.

1. Leaking, Pain, and Pressure Are NOT “Normal” (Even If They’re Common)

It’s shocking how often women are told that certain symptoms are just a “normal” part of being a woman. Have you ever heard things like:

• “Oh, you had a baby? Yeah, you’ll pee when you sneeze now—welcome to motherhood!”

• “Sex is painful sometimes—just have a glass of wine and relax.”

• “That heavy feeling in your pelvis? That’s just what happens as you get older.”

  
  

The truth is, while symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or a sensation of heaviness are common, they are not normal—and guess what? They are treatable!

Urinary leakage doesn’t mean you need to stock up on pads for the rest of your life. Pain with intercourse doesn’t mean you just have to “push through it.” And that feeling of pelvic pressure (which could be a sign of prolapse) isn’t something you just have to accept.

These are signs that your pelvic floor may not be functioning optimally, and pelvic floor physical therapy can help you retrain your muscles, restore balance, and regain confidence in your body.

2. Your Core and Pelvic Floor Are More Connected Than You Think

Your pelvic floor doesn’t work alone—it’s part of a larger system that includes your diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, and back muscles. Think of it as the foundation of your core.

If you’ve ever struggled with:

• Persistent low back pain

• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

• Poor posture or difficulty engaging your core

• Hip pain that just won’t go away

  
  

…your pelvic floor might be playing a bigger role than you realize.

Many women are told to “strengthen their core,” but they aren’t taught how to do it correctly. Sit-ups and crunches alone won’t fix these issues—in fact, they could make them worse if your pelvic floor isn’t functioning well. Learning how to properly activate and coordinate your deep core and pelvic floor can improve everything from stability to breathing mechanics, helping you move better and feel stronger in your daily life.

3. Pelvic Floor Therapy Isn’t Just for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that pelvic floor therapy is only for women who are pregnant or have had a baby. While pregnancy and postpartum recovery are common times when women seek care, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women at any stage of life—whether they’ve had children or not.

• Young athletes may experience leakage or pelvic pain due to high-impact sports, improper core engagement, or excessive tension in their pelvic floor.

• Women in their 20s and 30s may struggle with painful periods, endometriosis, or discomfort during intimacy—all of which can be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond often experience new symptoms due to hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause, including bladder urgency, prolapse, or pelvic pain.

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Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about proactive care for your body. Just like you go to the dentist for regular check-ups or see a trainer to improve your fitness, your pelvic health deserves the same attention.

Take the Next Step for Your Health

If any of this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. These issues are real, they are valid, and most importantly—they are treatable. You deserve to feel strong, confident, and in control of your body at every stage of life.

If you’ve been struggling with pelvic health concerns, we’re here for you- reach out!. Pelvic floor therapy can be truly life-changing, and our team here at Freya Wellness would love to help you start your journey toward feeling your best.