Perhaps you plan your workout around the nearest washroom, skip an exercise because you are worried about leaking, or wonder whether changes after pregnancy are something you should bring up. Pelvic health can feel personal. You do not need to have everything figured out before asking for help.
Our Instagram post about pelvic floor care began with a simple invitation: tell us what you are experiencing. REVIVELAB offers pelvic floor physiotherapy for women in Calgary at our Bridgeland clinic, with Melissa Chea.
Describe what happens, in your own words
Urinary incontinence means urine leakage. If it happens when you laugh, cough or exercise, note the activity and when you first noticed the change. If the main problem is a sudden urge to go, describe that too. These experiences are worth discussing, but a blog post cannot determine the cause or the right treatment for you.
You can also mention discomfort, changes during pregnancy or after birth, and activities you have begun avoiding. There is no need to minimise the effect on your day. The goal is to understand your situation rather than compare it with anyone else's.
Why an individual assessment matters
Different patterns of urinary incontinence can need different approaches. Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle training or bladder training, depending on the assessment. A list of exercises from social media is not the same as knowing what is appropriate for your symptoms.
For women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence, NICE recommends supervised pelvic floor muscle training as a first-line treatment. That recommendation does not mean everyone with pelvic symptoms needs the same exercise routine. Discuss your symptoms and options with a qualified healthcare professional.
Questions you can bring to pelvic physiotherapy
If you feel unsure about booking, start with practical questions: What does an initial appointment involve? What clothing should I wear? Can you explain the assessment options before we begin? What can I do if I am uncomfortable with part of an assessment?
You can also ask how your plan might fit around pregnancy, postpartum recovery, work or exercise, and what changes would lead to a review of the plan. Let your practitioner know your preferences and ask for explanations whenever you need them. Care should be discussed with your comfort and consent in mind.
A first step does not have to be a big one
You can begin by contacting the clinic with a question about the appointment. If you are ready, read Melissa's profile and view the pelvic health appointment options in Jane. Our Bridgeland contact page has directions, clinic hours and telephone details.
For more information, see our guides to bladder leakage and pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. If you are unsure whether symptoms need medical assessment, contact your healthcare provider rather than relying on an article to decide.
Sources and further reading
This article expands on our October 14 pelvic health Instagram post. Clinical background: NHS: treatment for urinary incontinence and NICE NG123: urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women. General education only; your care requires an individual assessment.