In response to the COVID-19 health issue, we are offering telehealth as well as in-person appointments. Click to learn more.

Pelvic floor weakness: Four myths

July 19, 2012

Awareness is sometimes 90 percent of our understanding. Yet it is that remaining 10 percent, what we don’t know, that colors our perceptions.

Consider pelvic floor weakness. Up until just a few years ago, many women never heard the term. But that does not mean the condition never existed, and thanks to medical attention and awareness campaigns, more women are seeking and getting treatment.

Pelvic floor weakness often results when the weight-bearing or stabilizing structures that keep the vagina and nearby organs in place weaken or deteriorate. Common causes include pregnancy, obesity, a hysterectomy or menopause.

These causes are pretty common, but the nature of the condition leads to many distressing misconceptions. So I decided to take on four of the biggest myths and dispel them.

  • Pelvic floor weakness occurs only in women who have had children: All women are susceptible and, for that matter, even men have pelvic floors and can experience pelvic floor spasm or pain. But it is true that women who have had children are more likely to experience pelvic floor weakness or prolapse.
  • Caesarean section deliveries prevent pelvic floor weakness: This is not necessarily true, since the cause of pelvic floor weakness or prolapse is associated with the added weight and pressure of carrying a child to full term. The actual mode of delivery is not proven to be a component or contributing factor.
  • There are no treatments: There are several was to treat pelvic floor weakness, both medically and holistically. Kegel exercises, for instance, may help to treat stress incontinence that results from pelvic floor weakness. If the patient suffers pelvic floor prolapse –usually a “tear” in the pelvic support resulting from pregnancy  — surgery or a pessary device can help to remedy the condition. Also, despite alternative treatments, pelvic mesh is still used frequently across the country because of its theoretical durability.
  • Your organs will “fall out”: One of the most worrisome symptoms of prolapse is that organs may fall out through the vagina. This is not the case. For instance, in bladder prolapse (cystocele), the back wall of the bladder may drop or bulge into (or even out of) the vagina, but the bladder will not fall out completely.

To learn more about pelvic floor weakness, visit our conditions page, which includes causes, symptoms and treatments of various forms of pelvic floor prolapse and weakness.

Recent Featured Blog Posts

  1. Vaping – It’s No Smoke and Mirrors When it Comes to Urinary Health Issues

    Your bladder doesn’t like arsenic. So why are at least one in 20 Americans inhaling it regularly? That is the number of Americans now vaping (not smoking cigarettes). And research shows the tiny particles inhaled from vaping pens, or e-cigarettes, contain many of the same harmful chemicals as in tobacco, a leading cause of all…

    Read More
  2. How Pregnancy Affects the Bladder: What New Moms Should Know 

    Babies and bladders have a relationship that expectant mothers typically learn about in their third trimester of pregnancy when running to the restroom becomes the norm. But for most first-time moms, it’s important to know that the effects of that relationship can linger well beyond delivery day. Childbearing is a leading cause of stress incontinence…

    Read More
  3. Joining Vas Madness? 9 Vasectomy Tips-Offs, Ahead of the Games

    More than half a million men undergo a vasectomy annually. In March that number climbs by as much as 50%.

    Read More

Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant

How may I assist you today?

I need help with ‘Directions & Hours’
(Please select a location from the list below)
I need help with ‘ Billing Questions’
(Please select an option below)

I need help with ‘Billing Questions’

What number should I call to pay my bill?

If your bill is from The Urology Group, please call (513) 841-7474 to pay your bill.

If your bill is from The Urology Center, please call (513) 841-7475 to pay your bill.

I need help with ‘Making, Rescheduling or Confirming an Appointment’

If you would like us to call you to set up an appointment, please click here to request a call back.

If you would like to call us, please call
513-841-7400
to speak with a representative.
Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Questions About Test Results’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Medication Refills’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Returning a Call from the Office’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘A Copy of My Medical Records’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm