Pelvic Health
Maintaining and improving your pelvic health
Unless you develop a problem such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, you probably haven’t ever thought about your pelvic health. Whatever age or stage of life you are currently in, our Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs urge you to learn more about your pelvic region and why keeping your pelvic floor muscles strong is important throughout your life.
Your pelvic floor muscles provide critical support for your pelvic organs
First, you need to understand your pelvic floor. The muscles of your pelvic floor need to be strong and healthy to support your reproductive organs, bladder, colon and rectum. These muscles not only provide support, but they also help your bladder and rectum work to relax and contract properly. These muscles also contract and relax during sex.
Several issues can affect your pelvic health: being overweight or obese, vaginal deliveries, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, age, and past surgeries that caused scar tissue to form. If your muscles get weak, tighten or loosen up too much, or are damaged, it can lead to problems.
Loss of control of your bladder, or urinary incontinence
Loss of control of your bowel movements, or fecal incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Preventing pelvic problems
There is good news about pelvic health: You can maintain it or make it better. Our Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs have some tips to help keep your pelvic floor strong.
Don’t sit on the toilet too long, straining to have a bowel movement.
Don’t lift heavy items.
Quit smoking.
Eat a balanced diet to get to or maintain a healthy weight.
Eat more fiber and drink more water to avoid constipation.
Avoid or limit alcohol, artificial sweeteners and caffeine.
Try meditating or other stress-reduction techniques to help loosen muscles that are too tight.
Kegel exercises, when performed properly, strengthen your pelvic floor.
You’ve probably heard about Kegel exercises, but do you know how to do them effectively? They are the only exercise you can do to improve your pelvic health and help your pelvic floor get stronger. Our physicians or physical therapists can help you learn to perform them the right way. If your pelvic floor muscles are already weak or causing problems, pelvic floor physical therapy may help.
Talk to our Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs about your pelvic health
Our physicians and members of our team can help you understand why it’s so critical to pay attention to the health of your pelvis. If you are already having issues that may be due to pelvic floor problems, contact us today for an appointment.