Physical Therapists Recommend 5 Pelvic Floor Exercises as More Than 50% of Women Face Dysfunction
Updated
Updated · Outside · May 25
Physical Therapists Recommend 5 Pelvic Floor Exercises as More Than 50% of Women Face Dysfunction
5 articles · Updated · Outside · May 25
Five beginner-friendly moves—glute bridges, inner-thigh ball squeezes, wall sits, quadruped hovers, and modified side-plank clamshells—were highlighted as at-home exercises to build pelvic floor strength.
Sara Reardon and Alex Hill said pelvic floor problems affect both sexes, with more than 50% of women experiencing issues at some point and research suggesting 16% of men are affected.
Weakness can contribute to urinary or fecal leakage, pelvic organ prolapse in women, and sexual dysfunction in men, while high-impact exercise, heavy lifting, aging, pregnancy, menopause, and prostate procedures can all play a role.
The therapists said Kegels can help but are not a cure-all, noting some patients have overly tight—not weak—pelvic floor muscles and may need tailored assessment from a pelvic floor specialist.
Beyond Kegels, what are the overlooked signs of pelvic floor issues affecting millions in silence?
Could pre-surgery pelvic exercises become the standard of care for men undergoing prostatectomy?
Will smart tech and AI coaches soon replace traditional physical therapy for at-home pelvic recovery?