Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, marked by the cessation of menstruation and hormonal changes. While it is a significant and inevitable transition, it can bring about a variety of physical and emotional changes. Among these changes, the health of the pelvic floor can be particularly affected. Fortunately, physiotherapy has emerged as a valuable tool to address the issues related to the pelvic floor during menopause. In this article, we will explore the benefits of physiotherapy for the pelvic floor during menopause, supported by references to relevant information.

Understanding Menopause and the Pelvic Floor

Menopause typically occurs in women around the age of 45 to 55 and is characterized by a significant reduction in estrogen production. This hormonal shift leads to various symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It can also affect the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for the Pelvic Floor

1. Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles: One of the primary goals of pelvic floor physiotherapy during menopause is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This can help improve bladder control and reduce the incidence of stress incontinence. Strengthening these muscles can also aid in maintaining vaginal tone, which can improve sexual function.

2. Pain Management: Menopausal women may experience pelvic pain due to conditions like vulvodynia or myofascial pain syndrome. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms through various manual techniques and exercises.

3. Improving Sexual Function: Reduced estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and atrophy, making sexual intercourse painful. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve vaginal tone and increase blood flow to the area, addressing these concerns.

4. Preventing Prolapse: During menopause, the risk of pelvic organ prolapse increases due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can provide exercises and techniques that help prevent or alleviate prolapse symptoms.

5. Enhancing Quality of Life: Menopausal symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions, tailored to the individual’s needs, can provide relief and help women regain confidence and well-being.

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but it can bring challenges related to the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers numerous benefits, including improved muscle strength, pain management, enhanced sexual function, and the prevention of prolapse. By seeking the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, women can take proactive steps to address these issues and improve their overall quality of life during this transformative stage.

It’s essential for women experiencing menopause to consult with healthcare professionals, including gynecologists and pelvic floor physiotherapists, to receive tailored guidance and care during this phase of life.

For those without extended healthcare, we offer affordable pricing to help you get back to normal. Don’t wait while you’re in pain, request an appointment today at The Health First Group.

References:

  1. Berger, M. B., Rasaian, S., & Lewicky-Gaupp, C. (2015). Myofascial physical therapy for the treatment of urogynecologic post-surgical scar pain and vulvovaginal pain. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(7), 1572-1578.
  1. Dumoulin, C., Cacciari, L. P., & Hay‐Smith, E. J. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10.
  1. Facchin, F., Saita, E., Belloni, G., Dal Lago, A., Buggio, L., & Franchi, M. (2019). Physical therapy and sexuality in women with chronic pelvic pain and urogynecological diseases. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(8), 1213-1223.
  1. Hagen, S., Stark, D., Glazener, C., Dickson, S., Barry, S., & Elders, A. (2020). Individualised pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POPPY): a multicentre randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 397(10294), 1147-1157.
  1. Panman, C. M., Wiegersma, M., Kollen, B. J., & Burger, C. W. (2017). Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Urology, 198(2), 414-421.