As with many things I teach, it starts with either myself or a client experiencing symptoms or an injury. In this case, it was personal.
A few years ago, I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me and neither was my doctor. Some of the symptoms were low back pain, a heaviness in the lower part of my torso, and taking much longer than usual to urinate as well as what I now know is called stress peeing–urine leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or cough.
Yikes! I know right.
I was hesitant to talk with people, and when I did, even though I’ve been trained as a sex educator, I was feeling nervous and afraid. Luckily my doctor pointed me to a uro-genital surgeon to get more information and a thorough diagnosis.
Once I understood what was happening, I was able to do research and there was so much available once I knew what I was looking for. I started talking to friends and clients and realized that there were many people who experienced these symptoms.
Sadly, as I’ve talked to more and more people, they told me that their physicians told them that there’s nothing they can do-because it’s age, injury, having babies, part of life, etc. Others have been told to do Kegels–lots of them. While Kegels may be helpful, it’s important to know if they are right for you.
Though the causes may be true, it is NOT true that there is nothing that can help. Pelvic Organ Dysfunction is not a lifetime sentence.
There are many yogic practices that have been useful in relaxing and/or strengthening the core muscles, which include the pelvic floor. Relaxation and strengthening are both important in a healthy functioning pelvic floor.
Other possibilities are:
- Behavior changes
- Mental/emotional changes
- Breathing practices
- Herbal Remedies
- Yoga poses
- Diet changes
- And more…
There are also medications and surgery for severe cases.
Specially trained physical therapists and doctors can help internally and yoga therapists, herbalists, dieticians and exercise physiologists can help with behavioral modifications.
If you’d like more information, check out my Pelvic Care Deep Dive.
