Welcome to the world of pelvic health!
Women’s Health Foundation is pleased as punch to be a part of the EmpowHER’s new blogging network. For our first blog, we’re going to talk about pelvic health and why it matters.
But first, a little about us: we are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the pelvic health and wellness of women and girls. We’re dedicated to educating and empowering (or should I say “empoHERing”?) women and girls and give them the tools and knowledge the need to take charge of their pelvic health.
So, what does pelvic health mean and why does it matter? Your pelvic health involves anything in the bladder, bowel, vaginal, uterine, or pelvic structural (think of the muscles you “squeeze” when you have to pee) regions. Pelvic health matters because the problem is vast and yet no one is talking about it.
1 in 3 women will be treated for at least one pelvic floor disorder (i.e. pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence) by the age of 60. However, these numbers are most likely higher due to the fact that urinary incontinence (the most common pelvic floor disorder) is rated by women as the #1 most embarrassing and uncomfortable health problem to discuss with their doctors. Think of your mother, grandmother, and girlfriends: they may be one of those women who are privately fighting these conditions. They could be among the millions of women whose lives are dictated by the proximity of the closest restroom.
The good news is that there are simple things you can do to improve or alleviate pelvic floor disorders and to gain better control. We’ll talk about these things and other pertinent pelvic problems (sorry, I had to) in upcoming blogs. Just think of us as the Girlfriends’ Guide to all the things your mother told you not to talk about: peeing, pooping, and of course, sex.
In the meantime, let’s all work towards the Women’s Health Foundation credo: “You Go Girl…But Only When You Want To!”
http://www.womenshealthfoundation.org/blog/