Pelvic Floor Problems…

Just when you thought you were in the clear… BOOM! You suddenly get hit with pelvic floor problems. What in the world? Prolapse, UTI’s, bladder leakage…these issues can come out of nowhere in midlife and be really debilitating. Why?!

Well, Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as the Vagina Whisperer, is coming back on the podcast this week, and she’s sharing some really helpful tips about how to keep your pelvic floor strong and functioning well through perimenopause and well into your post-menopause years.

In this conversation, Dr. Sara Reardon discusses pelvic floor issues that women face in midlife, specifically related to hormonal changes. She explains how the drop in estrogen and testosterone during perimenopause can lead to vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, painful sex, and pelvic organ prolapse. Dr. Reardon emphasizes the importance of proactive care and offers tips for managing these issues, including staying hydrated, practicing proper breathing techniques, and engaging in strength training exercises. She also discusses the use of vaginal estrogen therapy and the benefits of seeing a pelvic floor therapist before and after surgery for prolapse. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for education, awareness, and proactive measures to maintain a strong pelvic floor in midlife and beyond.

This is a must-listen for everyone with a pelvic floor. If you want to avoid spending the last few decades of your life needing pads, adult diapers and even prolapse surgery, then I highly recommend tuning in to this episode!

Big Takeaways

• Hormonal changes during perimenopause can lead to pelvic floor issues such as vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, painful sex, and pelvic organ prolapse.
• Proactive care, including staying hydrated, practicing proper breathing techniques, and engaging in strength training exercises, can help manage and prevent pelvic floor issues.
• Vaginal estrogen therapy may be beneficial for women experiencing vaginal atrophy and dryness.
• Seeing a pelvic floor therapist before and after surgery for prolapse can improve outcomes and address the root cause of the issue.
• Education, awareness, and proactive measures are essential for maintaining a strong pelvic floor in midlife and beyond.

My Favorite Sound Bites

• "The hormonal changes that take place are really a drop in estrogen and a drop in testosterone."
• "Pelvic organ prolapse is when the pelvic organs are not as well supported by the vaginal walls anymore."
• "When you pee, sit down, take some big deep breaths, lean forward, and see if you can just empty your bladder by relaxing."

More Resources & Links

Download Sara’s FREE Perimenopause & Menopause Pelvic Floor Guide here!

Follow Sara Reardon “The Vagina Whisperer” on Instagram

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