Pelvic floor health has long been shrouded in misconceptions, with a new wave of research and expert opinion now challenging what many take for granted—especially the belief that Kegel exercises are the universal remedy. A recent article from The Guardian, released on 20 May 2025, shines a spotlight on five prevailing myths surrounding pelvic floor care and offers evidence-based insights that could reshape how people in Thailand think about their own well-being The Guardian.
The pelvic floor is a crucial yet often overlooked cluster of muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles not only support essential organs such as the bladder, bowel, uterus (in women), or prostate (in men), but they also contribute to sexual health, continence, and even the stability of the spine. For many, proper function goes unnoticed—until something goes awry. As noted by Dr. Sara Reardon, a U.S.-based pelvic floor therapist, broad awareness of these muscles remains sorely lacking, starting from how little education people receive across all stages of life.
What makes this issue particularly significant for Thai readers is that pelvic floor disorders are both common and treatable, yet remain hidden in silence due to cultural taboos, lack of discussion, and a shortage of specialized services. Local medical professionals at leading Thai hospitals have echoed global sentiments: the consequences of neglecting pelvic health include urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction—conditions that can severely impact quality of life and mental health.
The article addresses five common myths, debunking misinformation and providing important takeaways:
First, the idea that pelvic floor disorders only affect women is patently false. Both men and women—regardless of age—can experience dysfunction. In men, symptoms may include urinary issues, rectal prolapse from chronic constipation, and even persistent pelvic pain. While women are at greater risk due to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, men should also be aware of pelvic health. Thai urologists have increasingly noted a rise in pelvic pain diagnoses among men, often linked to stress or lifestyle factors similar to those observed internationally.
Second, while pelvic floor disorders are extremely common, they are not an inevitable consequence of aging or childbirth. For instance, urinary leakage affects around 50% of adult women and up to 75% of those over 65, while three out of four women will experience pain during intercourse at some point. Yet as Dr. Cassandra Kisby, a urogynecologist at Duke University, points out, just because symptoms are common does not mean they are normal or untreatable. This aligns with growing Thai public health messaging encouraging people to seek help rather than accept discomfort as “natural” or merely a part of getting older.
Third, healthcare systems—whether in the West or Thailand—often overlook routine screening and discussion of the pelvic floor. Patients frequently must initiate conversations themselves and may not know which specialist to consult. In Thailand, where specialties like urogynecology are less familiar to the general public, this issue is compounded by gaps in interdisciplinary communication. The Guardian article highlights this challenge, emphasizing the importance of advocating for one’s own health—a theme mirrored in Thai self-care campaigns.
Fourth, and perhaps most at odds with prevailing wisdom, the experts stress that Kegel exercises—long popularized as the go-to solution—are not universally appropriate. While Kegels can strengthen the pelvic floor and help in cases of weakness, for individuals whose dysfunction stems from excessive muscle tension, these exercises can actually worsen symptoms. Relaxation, stretching, and guided therapy are often more beneficial in such scenarios. This nuanced perspective is especially important for Thai readers, as the push for do-it-yourself health solutions can sometimes lead to the adoption of routines that may not be individually suitable.
Finally, there is no age limit to improving pelvic floor health. Problems may arise years after an initial injury, such as childbirth, but treatment remains effective regardless of when it is started. This is vital for Thai society, where elders may feel resigned to “living with” chronic issues or may see such concerns as a natural (and unchangeable) part of aging.
The consensus among international experts, echoed by leading Thai specialists, is clear: optimal pelvic floor care is highly personalized, requires professional assessment, and should focus as much on education and awareness as on treatment. Both genders, and people across the lifespan, stand to benefit from demystifying the pelvic floor. In Thailand, shifting public perception—breaking taboos, training more specialized practitioners, and integrating pelvic health into routine primary care—will be key to improving quality of life for millions.
Looking ahead, deeper integration of pelvic health education into school curriculums, childbirth classes, and media campaigns could help foster better awareness from a young age. Promoting open conversation among families and communities might reduce stigma and lead more Thais to seek help early. As the aging society accelerates, particularly in urban centers like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, demand for pelvic floor specialists and multidisciplinary care is likely to rise Bangkok Hospital, World Bank Thailand Overview.
For Thai readers, practical steps include talking openly with primary care doctors or OB-GYNs about bladder, bowel, or sexual symptoms; seeking referral to a physiotherapist or urogynecologist if problems persist; and being cautious with self-directed exercise programs. Remember, health solutions—whether Kegels, relaxation techniques, or professional therapy—should be tailored to the individual under professional guidance. Above all, appreciating the importance of the pelvic floor and taking proactive steps to care for it can prevent decades of discomfort and enhance well-being at every stage of life.