FAQs

When to see your GP

Many people experience incontinence at some stage in their life. Although common, it's not normal. It isn't something that you have to live with for the rest of your life. With exercise and/or the help of a specialist, many people are able to improve and cure their symptoms.

Can I do pelvic floor exercises?

For women who experience problems – such as bladder or bowel leakage, or pelvic organ prolapse – pelvic floor muscle exercises should be practised up to six times a day. Men should not do pelvic floor muscle exercises routinely, but they are important for men who experience bladder or bowel problems, such as urinary leakage after a prostate operation.

Are pelvic floor muscle exercises safe?

The most important point is that yes, they are absolutely safe! There is excellent research to show that this can help keep your pelvic floor healthy, and prevent problems such as stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Are pelvic floor muscles part of your core?

The core means the centre or main part of the body, and refers to the muscles and structures around the pelvis, lower abdomen and lower back.

How is the pelvic floor formed?

At the bottom of the pelvis is the pelvic floor. This is the group of muscles that support the internal organs, such as the bladder and bowels (and the womb, in women).

What are Kegels? And how are they different from pelvic floor muscle exercises?

Kegels is simply another term people use to refer to the same group of muscles. And the same exercises!

Can I do pelvic floor therapy on my period?

The short answer is yes, you can do pelvic floor therapy during your period. This can be anything from speaking to a pelvic floor physiotherapist and getting advice and information to being examined vaginally, doing pelvic floor exercises or using a gadget to help support your exercises.

Can I do pelvic floor exercises with a pessary?

It is completely safe to do your pelvic floor exercises with a pessary in place. In fact, a pessary can really help your pelvic floor exercise programme as it supports the prolapse and may make it easier for you to do these exercises.

Why do we need to do pelvic floor exercises?

Much like your arm, leg or abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor muscles can be trained and strengthened with a regular exercise programme.

Are pelvic floor specialists covered by insurance?

Many people have private healthcare insurance, often as an employee benefit. It is essential to read the details of your insurance policy, or to speak to an advisor, to be clear about what they will and will not cover.

Are pelvic floor exercises good for haemorrhoids?

Pelvic floor exercises will not cause, aggravate or worsen piles. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that they will help to prevent or treat them either.

#Oopsmoment – what do pelvic health physiotherapists really think about the phrase?

It’s a phrase you see increasingly in advertising and on social media. The term is usually accompanied by images that dumb down the situation.

Can pelvic floor muscle exercises cause pain?

There are times when pelvic floor muscles exercises can hurt. This is when they might cause or aggravate symptoms, such as pelvic or vaginal pain or bladder and bowel symptoms.

Can pelvic floor muscle exercises cause bleeding?

Pelvic floor exercises do not cause bleeding. There are times where pelvic floor exercises may cause or aggravate symptoms such as pelvic or vaginal pain, or bladder and bowel symptoms.

Can I do pelvic floor exercises at home?

You don’t need any equipment or special clothes to do pelvic floor exercises and no-one else will know that you are doing them. They are easy to do at home, in the office or even in the car (but not if you are driving as you should give them your full concentration).

Useful contacts and further information

The following sources will provide further information and support on pelvic floor, bladder and bowel problems.