{"id":16019,"date":"2019-07-12T14:09:40","date_gmt":"2019-07-12T12:09:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=16019"},"modified":"2020-09-01T12:09:31","modified_gmt":"2020-09-01T10:09:31","slug":"do-you-have-a-weak-pelvic-floor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/do-you-have-a-weak-pelvic-floor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell If You Have a Weak Pelvic Floor"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was medically fact-checked by Women’s health expert and Gynaecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

We know, we know. We never shut about Kegel exercises, and how important they are for your pelvic floor. That neat, hammock-like structure does a pretty big job! This group of muscles supports your internal organs, and its contractions help not only with the last bits of the digestive process but are also engaged when you climax!<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for everyone to get in the habit of doing squeeze-and-hold Kegel exercises to help strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. But, not everyone\u2019s body is the same, so how can you tell if you have a weak pelvic floor? Here are some of the sure signs!<\/span><\/p>\n

You May Have A Weak Pelvic Floor If\u2026<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

\u2026You\u2019re Experiencing Some Leaks And Dribbles.<\/b><\/h3>\n

One in three women in the United States are affected by some form of incontinence, so you\u2019re not alone if you\u2019re experiencing leaks when you laugh, sneeze or jump. There are <\/span>tips for managing your incontinence<\/span><\/a>, and strengthening your pelvic floor can definitely make a marked change.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026You\u2019re noticing a bulge from the vagina, and it\u2019s not comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nothing says \u201cwhat the \u2026 is going on?\u201d\u00a0 more than noticing a bulge from the vagina of something that clearly should be remaining inside. \u00a0 Risk factors for prolapse, or relaxation of, the bladder, cervix, or even rectum, include genetic factors, having had kids, or being overweight.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Kegel exercises can be super helpful to manage this when done regularly,\u00a0 they may even prevent the need for surgical correction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026Breaking Wind Is Getting Embarrassing.<\/b><\/h3>\n

While dietary changes can be to blame when it comes to the sudden increase of flatulence, there are also other possible causes.\u00a0 If you find you\u2019re not able to control it, or are farting suddenly more often when you bend over or sit, it may be a sign of weak pelvic floor muscles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026You\u2019re Not As Sensitive As You Once Were.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Pelvic floor strength is tied to our orgasm potential <\/span><\/a>\u2013 given that an orgasm is a series of muscle contractions, that makes a lot of sense right? If you feel like your orgasm, whether <\/span>achieved solo<\/span><\/a> or with a partner, has become less intense, weakened muscles might be the culprit. The same goes for generally feeling like there\u2019s less sensation during any sort of penetrative sex.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026Tampons Or Cups Aren\u2019t Staying In Place.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

We obviously recommend that you use cups for greater vaginal comfort and leak-control, but if you\u2019ve found that either of the menstruation products you use now feels like they are going to \u2018fall out\u2019 then it may be a sign that your pelvic floor has weakened. Our bodies do change as we age and with wear and tear,\u00a0 but these changes should be noted. <\/span><\/p>\n

For example, whether delivered vaginally <\/span>or<\/span><\/i> via C-section, pregnancy may weaken the pelvic floor\u00a0 \u2013 that\u2019s why we recommend <\/span>different sizes of cups<\/span><\/a> based on age and pregnancy history.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026It Doesn\u2019t <\/b>Feel<\/i><\/b> Right.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Feeling a heavy sense in your vagina can be a sign of something wrong. You can also do a self-examination to see if you can feel your muscles contracting. Get into a comfortable position and insert a finger into your vagina. Placing it against the wall of your vagina, try squeezing like you\u2019re trying to stop yourself from peeing. If you\u2019ve felt some movement, then those are your pelvic floor muscles at work! <\/span><\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t feel anything at all, it is time for the next steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Should You Do If You Think You Have A Weak Floor<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you feel like some of these symptoms apply to you, but it isn\u2019t that serious, then you may be able to tackle this problem by yourself with a Kegel training system like Laselle. It lets you work your way through a <\/span>series of weights with exercises you can do at home<\/span><\/a> to take you from a Kegel noobie to a Pelvic Floor pro! <\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, if you\u2019re still not sure how strong or weak your pelvic floor actually is, then <\/span>KegelSmart<\/span><\/a> is a great place to start!<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only do its internal sensors measure how hard you\u2019re squeezing, you\u2019ll see your score (shown with flashing dots) every time you turn it on, so you\u2019ll be able to see if you\u2019re progressing!<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to talk to your doctor about it if you\u2019re worried that you have a weak pelvic floor, or if the exercises you\u2019re doing don\u2019t seem to be helping. They can refer you to a specialist who can make sure you\u2019re doing your exercises properly, and devise a training plan to make sure you can minimize whatever negative symptoms you\u2019re experiencing!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Facts checked by:<\/h3>\n

Dr. Alyssa Dweck<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Dr.<\/p>\n

Alyssa Dweck MS, MD, FACOG is a practicing gynecologist in Westchester County, New York. She provides care to women of all ages; she has delivered thousands of babies. She is proficient in minimally invasive surgery and has special interest and expertise in female sexual health and medical sex therapy. She is top doctor in New York Magazine and Westchester Magazine. Dr. Dweck has co-authored three books including the most recent release The Complete A to Z For Your V.<\/p>\n

Website<\/a><\/strong> | Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Written by:<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This article was medically fact-checked by Women’s health expert and Gynaecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck. We know, we know. We never shut about Kegel exercises, and how important they are for…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":18011,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow Strong Are Your Kegel Muscles? - read more about pelvic floor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you not sure how strong your Kegel muscles are? 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