Pelvic health is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. The pelvis contains muscles, ligaments and organs that help support the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs.
Pelvic health problems are common and can affect women and people assigned female at birth at any stage of life. They may occur during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause or as part of the ageing process.
Although pelvic health issues are common, they are not something you have to live with. Support, advice and treatment are available.
Common pelvic health problems
Pelvic health problems can affect people in different ways.
Common conditions include:
- urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
- pelvic organ prolapse
- bowel incontinence
- pelvic pain
- bladder problems
- problems during or after pregnancy and childbirth
- pain during sex
These conditions can affect confidence, relationships, physical activity and day-to-day life.
Symptoms to look out for
You should speak to a healthcare professional if you experience:
- leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or exercising
- a frequent or urgent need to pass urine
- difficulty emptying your bladder
- a feeling of heaviness, dragging or a lump in the vagina
- ongoing pelvic pain
- pain during sex
- bowel control problems
Many people delay seeking help because they feel embarrassed. However, pelvic health problems are common and support is available.
Pelvic floor muscles
Your pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, bowel and womb.
Keeping these muscles strong can help prevent or improve some pelvic health problems.
Pelvic floor exercises, sometimes called Kegel exercises, involve tightening and relaxing the muscles that control your bladder and bowel.
Regular pelvic floor exercises can help:
- improve bladder control
- reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse
- support recovery after pregnancy and childbirth
- improve pelvic muscle strength
A healthcare professional can advise you on the correct exercises and techniques.
Pelvic floor exercises video
Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support your bladder, bowel and womb.
This video explains how to do pelvic floor exercises and how they may help with bladder control, prolapse symptoms and recovery after pregnancy or childbirth.
Pelvic health during pregnancy and after birth
Pregnancy and childbirth can place extra strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
Some people experience symptoms during pregnancy or after giving birth, including bladder weakness, pelvic pain or prolapse.
These symptoms are common, but they should not be ignored. Early support and treatment can help prevent problems from becoming worse.
Speak to your midwife, health visitor, GP or pelvic health service if you have concerns.
Menopause and pelvic health
Changes in hormone levels during menopause can affect the bladder, pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues.
Some people notice symptoms such as:
- urinary urgency
- recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- vaginal dryness
- discomfort during sex
- bladder weakness
Treatment and support are available to help manage these symptoms.
Getting help and support
If pelvic health symptoms are affecting your daily life, speak to your GP practice or another healthcare professional.
They can discuss your symptoms, provide advice and arrange treatment or referral to specialist services if needed.
The earlier you seek help, the more likely it is that symptoms can be improved or managed effectively.