A recent survey conducted by Origin, a leading provider of women’s pelvic floor and whole-body physical therapy, revealed that pelvic floor issues are not just a concern for older women. The survey, which focused on women aged 18-59, found that the rates of pelvic health problems among millennials were either higher or as high as those among Gen X women. The study, conducted in partnership with market research giant Ipsos, fills a gap in research on women’s health, particularly pelvic health, which has historically been limited in scope.
The survey found that 8 in 10 women, many of them millennials, are struggling with pelvic health issues. Millennials reported higher rates than their Gen X counterparts in areas such as bladder urgency and frequency, urinary leakage during activities like coughing or exercising, pain during intercourse, and an inability to reach orgasm. The most common cause of repetitive leakage among millennial women is childbirth, whether through vaginal or C-section deliveries, which can lead to muscle laxity and an inability to contract core and pelvic floor muscles to prevent leakage.
Michele McGurk, a certified pelvic rehabilitation practitioner, explains that scar tissue from muscle and fascia tearing during childbirth can impact the integrity of the abdominal pelvic canister, resulting in abnormal pressure distribution and leakage. Additionally, prior falls onto the pelvis can also contribute to this issue. Strengthening exercises like kegels can help, but McGurk emphasizes the importance of manual treatment by a pelvic floor physical therapist to restore muscle tone, function, and symmetry. This personalized approach is crucial for addressing pelvic floor issues effectively.
Bladder urgency and frequency among millennial women may be caused by irritants like caffeine, alcohol, seltzer water, and chocolate, as well as poor water intake and prolonged sitting. McGurk suggests removing irritants and utilizing bladder retraining techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, to help retrain the bladder to tolerate longer stretches of storing urine. Some women may have issues fully emptying their bladder due to a history of UTIs, which can cause scarring. McGurk recommends a simple technique of moving the pelvis forward and back while sitting on the toilet to help fully empty the bladder, offering a temporary solution.
In order to address pelvic health issues effectively, it is essential for millennial women to seek professional help from pelvic floor physical therapists like McGurk. These therapists can provide personalized treatment plans that include strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle modifications to improve pelvic health and overall well-being. By raising awareness of the prevalence of pelvic floor issues among millennials and the importance of seeking appropriate treatment, Origin’s study sheds light on a critical area of women’s health that has often been overlooked or misunderstood.
