Why Pelvic Health isn't just for new mums
Why pelvic health isn’t just for new mums!
(And we absolutely have to talk about pelvic health for post natal recovery and beyond because it’s still not mainstream)
If you thought that pelvic health was just for new mums or that prolapse was just for your granny, then you would be wrong – sorry!
In fact, pelvic health can be relevant, and a concern for females of all ages. Here are 3 groups (in addition to new mums) where pelvic floor symptoms are a THING!
Young athletes and the pelvic floor
In 2025, The World Athletics in Health & Science Department published a global study on pelvic floor health in elite youth athletes, in the British Medical Journal Open Sports & Exercise Medicine. This study included 325 youth athletes aged 19 and under from 62 different countries.
- 44% of athletes reported at least one symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction, including overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain or anal incontinence.
- 53% of females reported symptoms, compared to 29% of males.
- 13% of athletes experienced urinary incontinence, mainly during sprinting, jumping or changing direction.
So, it’s clear that youth athletes are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction including leaking and pain. With more female athletes than male athletes experiencing them.
However, and this is where there is a role for gentle education and more screening and inclusion of core/floor/glute hip/foot training as part of warm ups or main training.
- Only 30% were aware of pelvic floor health.
- 88% had never undergone any form of screening.
- 78% of symptomatic athletes had never disclosed their condition and 95% had not received specialist care.
The pelvic floor in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an interesting time for the pelvic floor! But there’s always more focus on pelvic health for new mums!
Here are 3 key considerations for pelvic health during pregnancy:
- Changes to posture and centre of mass as the baby grows means that there may be a change in the length and tension relationship – especially for the abdominal wall/pelvic floor and glutes. This may make “connecting” to the pelvic floor and deep core more challenging as pregnancy progresses. With more length in the glutes, they may have a harder time helping to support the pelvic floor.
- Alongside shifts in centre of mass, the weight of a growing baby loads the pelvic floor (in addition to loading in the gym)
- The pelvic floor has to STRETCH to allow childbirth. A pelvic floor which has more stiffness in the tissues, may find this more challenging. Whilst we know that athletes don’t necessarily find it harder to give birth (see my blog on this), it does mean pelvic floor and core training should be integrated into pregnancy training – particularly from a coordination and relaxation perspective.
Pelvic Health in Perimenopause
Perimenopause and the fluctuation in female sex hormones can highlight pelvic floor issues, that are either new or have been dormant whilst there has been more estrogen circulating in the system.
I’ve written a blog about this, called “Menopause and the Pelvic Floor“
Ultimately declining levels of estrogen can mean that tissues and muscles of the pelvic floor are thinner and weaker. Or conversely, they can get stiffer and tighter particularly if someone is stressed, constipated or trying NOT TO LEAK.
This can make them more sensitive to sensations of prolapse, pain during sex or leaking. Additionally and anecdotally, many of my perimenopausal clients experienced difficult or physically traumatic births and were not supported to recover thoroughly. These unaddressed issues can arise again in perimenopause, in a low estrogen environment. Often, it’s been years or decades since someone gave birth and any pelvic floor muscle training they may have done after childbirth has ceased.
Peri and post menopause is a great time to get started understanding and incorporating pelvic floor and core training.
here are some suggestions:
- breathing and breathwork – both for pelvic floor strength, coordination and endurance but also supporting the nervous system.
- Strength and resistance training to get the WHOLE BODY stronger. A stronger body can better support the pelvic floor!
Want help with pelvic health and performance?
If you’re interested in chatting about your pelvic health – whether you are a new mum or at ANY POINT in your life, you can book a free 15 minute Pelvic Health Pow Wow below
Beth Davies is a highly experienced personal trainer and coach specialising in female pelvic health, pelvic organ prolapse and exercise. Her programmes educate, empower and support women back to training or their active life, eliminating symptoms and building strength and confidence. She has been featured in women’s lifestyle magazines and websites, including Stylist, Metro, Woman & Home and Marie Claire UK
Beth’s training and coaching for women with pelvic organ prolapse provides face-to-face personal training in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, and online across the UK and Europe.