Tip of the Week: A Challenge to You…Speak up!
This past week, Dr. Jillian and I were fortunate to present to the 2nd year Doctor of Physical Therapy students at Mercer University. It is always a privilege to educate students on the importance of pelvic health, the high prevalence of pelvic floor problems, and how to identify those problems in whatever population they end up working with!
One of the pieces of our presentation we often focus on is the importance of really screening thoroughly and asking patients direct questions. Pelvic health problems are super common--> 1 in 2-3 women experience bladder leakage, pain during sex impacts around 20% of individuals, constipation is literally the #1 GI complaint in the country...and I could go on. YET, despite how common these challenges are, they remain *private* concerns (for the most part). Research has shown us this-- in fact, 90% of exercising women did not report their bladder challenges to their healthcare providers if they were not directly asked. More than 50% of middle-aged women experiencing bladder problems had not discussed it with their physicians. The vast majority of people with constipation or bowel leakage do not disclose this to their providers unless directly asked. And we could go on and on.
I get it-- what's more personal than going to the bathroom or sexual intimacy? Yet, when people stay quiet, it can create a sense of isolation or may make someone believe their problem is rare, when really, it's quite common. So, today's challenge to you is to speak up! If you have kept your pelvic health challenges private, share (within your comfort) with a close friend. You may be shocked at what you find out! Speaking up may be the push a friend needs to advocate for themselves- to take the next step in their own health and wellness! You may truly save a pelvic floor and greatly impact someone's life! And if your friend needs some help-- tell them to reach out! We are here for you-- them-- and all of the pelvic floors!
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Weekly Tips Pelvic Health Tips By Dr. Jessica Reale PT, DPT, WCS