Empower Your Well-Being: Explore Pelvic Floor Health During National Women’s Health Week!

OAKLAND, Calif. – This week is National Women’s Health Week, a time to remind women to focus on their mental and physical health. This year, the focus is on the pelvic floor, an important yet often overlooked part of the body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Women’s Health has made pelvic floor health the theme for this year’s awareness week, hoping to spotlight a topic that many don’t discuss openly.

Dr. Amani Zewail, an OB-GYN and expert in female sexual health at Kaiser Permanente, explains, “The pelvic floor is a network of muscles that supports the pelvic organs. It’s often unrecognized but is crucial for the overall function of your core.”

Everyday activities, like straining or poor posture, can strain the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are closely tied to the abdominal core and overall body support.

Unfortunately, pelvic floor disorders are prevalent. The FDA notes that about one in four women in the U.S. will face a pelvic floor issue at some point in their lives. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, pressure, and bladder control problems.

Dr. Zewail emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues, as they can greatly affect a woman’s quality of life. “This year’s theme highlights how significant pelvic floor health is for women,” she says. “There are effective treatments available, including physical therapy.”

Recent studies show that pregnancy and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can weaken these muscles. It’s essential for women to be aware of these risks and to communicate with healthcare providers about any concerning symptoms.

Ignoring pelvic floor issues isn’t an option. Dr. Zewail urges women to seek help and not downplay their symptoms. “Starting with awareness is key,” she notes. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

For more information on women’s health resources, consider checking out the CDC’s Women’s Health page.

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