If they hear the phrase ‘pelvic floor weakness’, most people think of bladder leakage. And while that’s one of the classic symptoms of pelvic floor strain, there are many other (more subtle) signs you could miss.
We often associate pelvic floor issues with older women and new mums, but the reality is that many young women struggle with pelvic floor health issues too. For women of all ages, symptoms of pelvic floor stress can often go unnoticed or be mistaken for something else.
So, let’s dive into the common and not-so-common signs of pelvic floor weakness that you should be aware of, regardless of your age or life stage. As always, we emphasize the importance of consulting a medical professional if you are experiencing any medical problem that is affecting your day-to-day life.
The obvious symptoms
Bladder leakage (urinary incontinence)
It’s the classic sign of a weakened pelvic floor and often the reason many women start looking for solutions and help. If a little (or even big) leak happens when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, this is a telltale sign your pelvic floor needs some care and attention.
Alongside making an appointment with your doctor, we would recommend checking out some of the top rated pelvic floor toning devices that have helped thousands of women to regain control over their bladder function.
Difficulty controlling bowel movements (fecal incontinence)
This is another symptom that can be closely associated with pelvic floor weakness or injury. Women who experience fecal incontinence may find it difficult to control gas or bowel movements, which can be extremely embarrassing and distressing for them.
Pelvic organ prolapse
When the pelvic floor has become too weak to support the organs of the pelvis (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) these organs can start to drop or press into the vaginal area. This is known as prolapse – a more severe symptom, and a clear sign of pelvic floor stress. This is definitely something to speak to your doctor about, and self-care treatment options could include investing in an EMS device specifically for vaginal prolapse.
Lesser known signs you might miss
Back pain
Yes, you heard us right.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain without any obvious cause, your pelvic floor could be the culprit.
The pelvic floor muscles work in tandem with the core muscles around your abdomen, so when PC muscles are weak, this can lead to strain and feelings of pain and discomfort in your lower back. Many women overlook this connection, often attributing back pain to poor posture, injury at the gym or other issues.
Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Another symptom that might not be immediately linked to pelvic floor weakness is painful intercourse. Women who experience discomfort, pain, or even a burning sensation during sex may be dealing with weak pelvic floor muscles that are unable to properly support the surrounding tissue and organs. This can also lead to a decrease in sexual sensation and pleasure.
Frequent UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)
Recurrent UTIs can also be a sign of pelvic floor weakness. When the pelvic floor muscles aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to incomplete bladder emptying, which increases the risk of infections. If you’re getting UTIs on a regular basis, your pelvic floor could be a contributing factor.
Unexplained pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
A feeling of pressure, heaviness, or a dragging sensation in the pelvic region is another lesser-known symptom of pelvic floor weakness. This sensation often intensifies towards the end of the day or after standing for long periods and can be a sign that the muscles are struggling to support the pelvic organs.
Constipation
Though constipation is typically linked to diet or hydration issues, it can also be a sign of a weak pelvic floor. The muscles of the pelvic floor play a role in bowel movements, and when they’re not functioning optimally, it can lead to difficulty in passing stools or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
Slack feeling during sex (with a male partner)
It’s still a huge taboo, but a frequent (though less commonly discussed) sign of pelvic floor weakness is a “slack” or “loose” feeling during sex. If the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to provide adequate support and tone to the vaginal walls, women may have difficulty ‘squeezing’ their partner, and this lack of muscle tone can lead to a decrease in sexual satisfaction for both partners. Long term we know that many women become self-conscious about this, impacting their confidence and sometimes even their mental health. Strengthening the pelvic floor can make a huge difference to your confidence between the sheets.
Feeling like you might need to pee – almost constantly
Another sign of pelvic floor weakness is a constant or frequent sensation that you need to urinate, even when your bladder isn’t full. This is ‘urge incontinence’ and can be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles that struggle to properly support the bladder, leading to a persistent urge to go. This sensation can be uncomfortable and disruptive, affecting your daily activities and sleep. Strengthening your pelvic floor can help reduce this constant need to urinate by better supporting the bladder and helping you regain control.
Noticing underwear odour
This can happen if weak pelvic floor muscles cause small, unnoticed leaks of urine, which can lead to odour. Even if you don’t feel the leakage happening, the dampness and odour can be noticeable and concerning.
Taking early action is vital
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to consider strengthening your pelvic floor. With the right choice and intensity of pelvic floor exercises and, if necessary, medical advice, you can improve the strength of your pelvic floor and alleviate these symptoms.
There’s absolutely no need to feel embarrassed or alone in this—pelvic floor weakness is incredibly common, particularly after childbirth, during menopause, or as you age. The key is recognizing the signs early and taking steps to address them. Whether you’re dealing with the more common symptoms or the lesser-known ones, your pelvic floor health is worth the investment.