Pelvic floor health is moving from the margins to the mainstream, with leading doctors urging a rethink of common myths. A May 2025 briefing from international experts highlights that the pelvic floor plays a foundational role in posture, continence, and sexual health — yet many patients and even some clinicians still misunderstand its importance. In Thailand, awareness remains limited and often tied only to childbirth or aging.
The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles supporting the bowel, bladder, uterus, and prostate. It helps daily functioning and overall well-being. A pelvic floor therapist explains that most people receive little formal education about these muscles, leaving many unaware of prevention and care options.
Experts stress that pelvic floor disorders transcend gender. Men and children can experience urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse. Everyone has a pelvic floor, and dysfunction can severely affect quality of life. Factors such as stress, trauma, and lifestyle habits can cause chronic tension that changes how these muscles work.
The message is clear: pelvic floor problems are not inevitable. While urinary leakage affects many women, it is common but not normal. Patients deserve effective treatment to improve daily life. A urogynecologist at a leading U.S. hospital notes that seeking care early can yield meaningful improvements.
A major gap remains in primary care. Doctors often do not screen for pelvic floor issues, and the fragmented care model—gynecology for the uterus, gastroenterology for the bowel, urology for the bladder—means the pelvic muscles are frequently overlooked. In Thailand, this knowledge gap is echoed, with limited public understanding of urogynecology and delayed specialist referrals in some communities.
Kegel exercises are widely promoted but are not a universal fix. For people with tense pelvic muscles, Kegels can worsen symptoms. Experts advocate for personalized assessment and, in many cases, yoga-style stretches, breathing techniques, and muscle release therapies. Professional evaluation before starting any routine is strongly advised.
Age is not a barrier to improvement. Symptoms may appear years after childbirth, but treatment can help at any stage. Targeted therapy and lifestyle changes can benefit individuals across ages and stages of life.
In Thailand, the shift toward pelvic health awareness aligns with demographic trends and public health needs. The country’s aging population makes incontinence and pelvic pain increasingly relevant. Research from Thai health institutions shows cultural norms around modesty and a lack of information can deter people from seeking help, particularly older women in rural areas. A shortage of urogynecology specialists further complicates timely care. Public maternity clinics often focus on childbirth recovery rather than targeted pelvic health screening.
Progress is underway. Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and major hospitals have started offering pelvic floor education and physiotherapy referrals as part of postpartum care and menopausal health checks. Digital health platforms and telemedicine gained momentum during the COVID-19 era, helping some people access care privately and conveniently.
Global research supports multidisciplinary care — involving physiotherapists, gynecologists, and mental health professionals — as best practice for most patients. Early intervention and regular self-checks for pain, back discomfort, and leakage with sneezing or exercise are recommended.
What Thai readers can do now:
- Expand public education to include pelvic health in schools, campaigns, and community clinics.
- Encourage patients to discuss pelvic symptoms with their providers and not dismiss them as normal aging.
- Seek care from pelvic health specialists who tailor exercises to individual needs.
- Utilize telemedicine for private access to care, especially in rural areas.
- For clinicians, integrate routine pelvic floor assessments into standard health check-ups.
Raising awareness and dispelling myths can greatly improve quality of life for Thais across ages. A coordinated effort among educators, clinicians, and policymakers is needed to normalize conversations about pelvic health, reduce stigma, and improve access to personalised care. It’s never too early or too late to address pelvic health — and the benefits extend to families and communities.
If you’re seeking practical steps, contact your local health center to request a pelvic floor assessment and ask about available pelvic health services in your area. Engage with healthcare providers to advocate for broader pelvic health inclusion in national public health strategies.