Pelvic Floor Myths Every Woman Should Know (And What You Can Do Instead)

Pelvic Floor Myths Every Woman Should Know (And What You Can Do Instead)

Pelvic floor health isn’t something we’re often taught about—until we’re dealing with leaks, discomfort, or postnatal recovery. And even then, the advice we hear is often outdated or just plain wrong.

At Proactive Physiotherapy, we see women every week who are frustrated, confused, and sometimes even embarrassed about what’s going on with their bodies. The good news? You’re not alone. And better yet—there’s a lot you can do to feel strong and confident again.

Let’s bust some of the most common pelvic floor myths and talk about what actually helps.

Myth 1: "Pelvic floor issues only happen after having kids."

Truth: While childbirth is a major factor that can affect pelvic floor muscles, it’s not the only one.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can also develop due to:

• High-impact exercise (especially over time)

• Hormonal changes (like menopause)

• Chronic constipation or straining

• Heavy lifting

• Poor posture

• Even persistent coughing

So if you’re experiencing symptoms like leakage, heaviness, or pelvic pain and haven’t had children, don’t dismiss it. It’s still worth getting checked out by a pelvic floor physio.

Myth 2: "You should just do more Kegels."

Truth: Kegels are helpful—but only if they’re being done correctly and are the right fit for your body.

Some people actually have a pelvic floor that’s too tight or overactive, and doing more squeezing can make symptoms worse. Others are doing Kegels without really engaging the right muscles.

That’s why we always recommend a proper assessment. As pelvic floor physios in Cairns, we can help you figure out:

• Whether your pelvic floor is weak, tight, or uncoordinated

• If Kegels are right for you

• How to build strength and function in a way that actually works

What to do instead: Get a personalised plan. Kegels are part of the puzzle—but they’re not the whole picture.

Myth 3: "Leaking when you laugh or sneeze is just part of getting older."

Truth: Common? Yes. Normal or acceptable? No.

Stress incontinence (leaking during movement or pressure) often occurs when the pelvic floor muscles aren’t providing enough support. It’s treatable at any age—you don’t have to live with it or wear pads forever.

We’ve helped women in their 20s and their 70s improve bladder control and confidence. It’s never too early or too late to get support.

What to do instead: Book an assessment with a qualified pelvic floor physio in Cairns and get started on a program that targets the real cause of the leakage.

Myth 4: "If you’ve had a caesarean, your pelvic floor is fine."

Truth: While a C-section avoids some of the trauma to the pelvic floor muscles that vaginal birth can cause, pregnancy itself still places a huge load on those muscles.

The weight of the growing baby, hormonal changes, and pressure on the pelvic organs can all weaken or affect pelvic floor function. Many mums still experience issues post-C-section, especially when returning to exercise.

What to do instead: Include pelvic floor rehab as part of your postnatal recovery—regardless of your birth type. It helps with core strength, bladder control, and overall movement.

Myth 5: "If I had a problem, I’d feel pain."

Truth: Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t always show up as pain. It can be subtle or silent—until it starts affecting daily life.

You might notice:

• A feeling of “heaviness” or dragging in the pelvis

• Leaking during exercise or sneezing

• Constipation or straining

• Trouble fully emptying your bladder

• Lower back or hip tightness

These can all be linked to pelvic floor issues. Don’t wait until symptoms get worse to seek help.

So, What Can You Do?

If any of the above sounds familiar—or if you’re unsure about what’s going on—it’s a great idea to get assessed by a pelvic floor physio here in Cairns.

At Proactive Physiotherapy, we offer:
✅ One-on-one, private sessions in a safe and supportive space
✅ A thorough assessment (no pressure—we go at your pace)
✅ A tailored plan to build strength, improve function, and support your goals
✅ Ongoing support to help you feel confident and in control

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Ditch the Myths

Pelvic floor health is about more than just avoiding symptoms—it’s about feeling strong, connected, and comfortable in your body. If you’ve been putting things off, or if myths have held you back, now’s the time to take the next step.

📅 Book your pelvic floor assessment with Proactive Physiotherapy today.
Let’s clear up the confusion—and help you feel more like you again.