By Dr Aneesha Ahmed from the SkynDoctor
When we talk about women’s health, conversations often focus on hormones, skin, or fitness. But one area that doesn’t get nearly enough attention – yet affects almost every woman at some stage of life – is the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that act like a supportive hammock, holding up your bladder, womb and bowel. When these muscles are strong and working properly, most of us don’t give them a second thought. But when they weaken, they can cause a range of problems – from stress incontinence (that little leak when you laugh or sneeze), to discomfort, and even reduced confidence in everyday life.
Why the pelvic floor weakens
It’s a myth that pelvic floor issues only happen after childbirth. Yes, pregnancy and delivery can put pressure on these muscles, but hormonal changes during menopause, high-impact exercise, chronic coughing, or even just ageing can all take a toll. That means women in their 20s and 30s can be just as vulnerable as those in midlife or later.
The impact on daily life
What surprises many women is how much the pelvic floor can influence overall wellbeing. Leaking urine may make you avoid exercise classes, intimacy may become uncomfortable, or you may simply live with a quiet worry about getting caught short in public. These experiences are incredibly common, but that doesn’t make them “normal” or something to just put up with.
What you can do
The good news is, there are solutions. Regular pelvic floor exercises (sometimes called Kegels) are a good place to start. Physiotherapy can also help, especially for women with more persistent issues. Lifestyle changes, such as staying hydrated, managing weight, and avoiding smoking, can all support better pelvic health too.
And thanks to advances in women’s health technology, there are now non-invasive treatments that can make a real difference. One option is the Emsella chair, which uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate thousands of pelvic floor contractions in just one session – the equivalent of doing over 10,000 Kegels, but without the effort. It’s pain-free, done fully clothed, and is showing great results for women of different ages experiencing leaks or weakness.
Breaking the taboo
Most importantly, we need to keep talking about pelvic floor health openly. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s part of our body, and like any muscle group, it needs care. The sooner women feel comfortable seeking help, the sooner they can get back to living life without compromise.
Taking control of your pelvic floor health isn’t just about preventing leaks – it’s about confidence, freedom, and quality of life. And that’s something every woman deserves.
Taking Control of Your Pelvic Health
The good news is that pelvic floor health can be improved at any age. Simple daily exercises, lifestyle changes, and treatments such as physiotherapy or newer technologies can make a real difference to confidence and quality of life. For women interested in exploring these options further, the Emsella chair is available at Skyn Doctor Cheshire as part of a personalised approach to pelvic health.
Dr Aneesha Ahmed
Founder – Skyn Doctor
Dr Aneesha started her medical journey at the prestigious University of St Andrews in Scotland, going on to graduating as a Medical Doctor from the University of Manchester in 2008.
Find out more about Dr Aneesha and what she offers on our health and wellbeing directory.
