5 Surprising Signs Your Pelvic Floor May Need Help

When people hear “pelvic floor therapy,” they often think of new moms doing Kegels. But there’s so much more to it – and pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people across all ages and genders.

Here are five surprising signs that your pelvic floor might need attention:

1. You leak when you sneeze, laugh, or exercise — That little “dribble” isn’t just a normal part of getting older. It’s a signal your pelvic floor muscles might not be doing their job.
2. You feel pressure or a “falling out” sensation – This can be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse, which is treatable through the right exercises, strategies, and support.
3. You experience pain with intercourse — This is common but not normal. Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles are often the culprit and can be treated with physical therapy.
4. You have difficulty pooping — Chronic constipation or the need to strain may be related to how your pelvic floor muscles are coordinating (or not coordinating) with your bowel.
5. You’ve been told everything looks “normal” but you still don’t feel right — Sometimes, symptoms are dismissed because imaging or exams don’t show a clear issue. That doesn’t mean your experience isn’t real — and it doesn’t mean nothing can be done.

If any of these sound familiar, you deserve answers — and solutions. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you understand what’s going on and how to feel better in your own body.