Pelvic floor health is often misunderstood, but new research and expert guidance are reshaping how people approach this topic. A recent Guardian piece highlights five common myths about pelvic floor care and offers evidence-based takeaways that are highly relevant for Thai readers.
The pelvic floor is a key group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, and they play a crucial role in continence, sexual health, and spinal stability. Many people remain unaware of their function until problems arise. Health professionals note that education about pelvic health is limited across ages, which can delay seeking help.
For Thailand, pelvic floor disorders are both common and treatable, yet conversations around them remain constrained by cultural taboos and limited access to specialized services. In major Thai hospitals, clinicians warn that neglect can lead to urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction—conditions that affect everyday life and mental well-being.
Five myths debunked, with practical insights:
Pelvic floor issues can affect anyone. Both men and women, at any age, can experience dysfunction. In men, symptoms may include urinary issues, constipation-related rectal prolapse, and pelvic pain. While pregnancy and menopause raise risk for women, men should also monitor their pelvic health. Thai urology clinics report rising diagnoses of pelvic pain among men, often linked to stress and lifestyle factors similar to international trends.
Aging or childbirth does not doom you to pelvic problems. While urinary leakage can affect about half of adult women and up to 75% of those over 65, and many women experience pain during sex at some point, experts emphasize that symptoms are not inevitable or untreatable. This aligns with Thailand’s public health messages that encourage seeking help rather than accepting discomfort as “natural” or a normal part of aging.
Routine screening and open discussion are often missing. Patients frequently must initiate conversations and may not know which specialist to consult. In Thailand, urogynecology is not widely recognized, complicating interdisciplinary care. Advocating for one’s own health remains essential, a theme echoed in Thai health campaigns.
Kegels are not a one-size-fits-all solution. While pelvic floor strengthening can help in weakness, they can worsen symptoms if the issue stems from excessive muscle tension. In such cases, relaxation, targeted stretching, and guided therapy may be more effective. Thai readers should avoid self-prescribed routines and seek professional guidance for personalized plans.
There is no age limit to improving pelvic floor health. Problems may arise years after an initial event, such as childbirth, but treatment can be successful at any stage of life. This is especially important in an aging Thai society, where long-term management may be required.
Experts agree that optimal pelvic floor care is highly personalized. Professional assessment, education, and ongoing guidance are vital. Breaking taboos, expanding training for pelvic health specialists, and integrating pelvic health into primary care can significantly improve quality of life for many Thais.
Practical steps for readers:
- Talk openly with a primary care physician or OB-GYN about bladder, bowel, or sexual symptoms.
- Seek referrals to physiotherapists or urogynecologists if concerns persist.
- Avoid self-directed exercise programs without professional input.
- Embrace a holistic approach that may include education, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
As Thailand urbanizes and ages, demand for multidisciplinary pelvic health care will grow. Integrating pelvic health into schools, childbirth education, and public campaigns can foster early awareness and reduce stigma.
Sources: Insights aligned with research from leading medical centers and international health experts, contextualized for Thai settings.