With the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause, the tissues of the vulva, vagina and urethra can become thinner and lose their elasticity, and there is often a reduction in the lubrication of the vagina. These changes predispose women to symptoms such as urine leakage, prolapses, vaginal dryness, or pain before, during, or after intercourse.
The pelvic physiotherapy consultation is a moment to (re)connect with your body and your deepest, most intimate muscles. It is a safe space to talk about your symptoms and find strategies to deal with the physiological changes typical of this period.
The most frequent reasons for seeking this consultation include:
- Knowledge about the pelvic floor: getting to know it and care for it. The pelvic floor provides support for organs such as the bladder, ovaries, and uterus. It is also responsible for controlling our sphincters, i.e., responsible for continence, and plays a key role in sexual function. A functional pelvic floor is one that is able to contract and distend according to the needs of the body. Knowledge of the body’s structures, from anatomy to function, is a powerful health tool. In this consultation you also learn good pelvic health habits and become aware of which signs and symptoms may indicate pelvic floor dysfunction, so that situations like these can be prevented or quickly diagnosed and treated.
- Advice on the most appropriate type of exercise for this period. Adequate exercise in (peri)menopause is associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression, and obesity. The physical therapist will be able to provide guidance or build a personalized exercise plan adapted to your symptoms and the needs of this period, paying special attention to bone and cardiovascular health, so that you can find safe ways to move without fear or discomfort.
- Management of pain in the abdominal region, lumbar, pelvic, among others.
- Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions, which can be the cause of symptoms such as vaginal dryness; vulvar or vaginal pain, irritation or sensitivity; pain or burning sensation before, during or after sexual intercourse; loss of urine or gas/feces; recurrent urinary infections; pain or burning sensation when urinating / pain when evacuating; chronic constipation; hemorrhoids; pain in the pelvic area; sensation of constant pressure or weight in the pelvic area and/or loss of air through the vagina.
Physiotherapy consults can be performed at UTERUS and at home. Consultation packs are available for those situations that require more regular monitoring.
Contact us here for more information.