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'What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why Does It Matter?'

'What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why Does It Matter?'

You've probably heard the phrase "pelvic floor" — maybe from a friend who just had a baby, a physio appointment, or a social media post. But for something so important, it's surprisingly misunderstood.

Let's change that.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that form the base of your pelvis — like a hammock stretching from your tailbone to your pubic bone. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and uterus, and they play a role in almost everything your body does.

They help you:

  • Control your bladder and bowel
  • Support your organs, especially during pregnancy
  • Stabilize your spine and pelvis during movement
  • Experience comfortable, pain-free intimacy

In other words, your pelvic floor is working all day, every day — whether you notice it or not.

Why does it matter?

When the pelvic floor isn't functioning well, it can show up in ways that feel embarrassing or confusing: leaking when you sneeze, urgency to get to the bathroom, pelvic pain, or discomfort during sex. These are common — but they're not something you just have to live with.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women at any life stage. Postpartum recovery, perimenopause, high-impact exercise, chronic stress, and even prolonged sitting can all impact how these muscles work.

The good news? With the right guidance, most pelvic floor concerns are very treatable.

It's not just about Kegels

One of the biggest misconceptions is that pelvic floor health is all about doing Kegel exercises. In reality, a tight or overactive pelvic floor can cause just as many problems as a weak one — and doing Kegels in that case can actually make things worse.

That's why working with a trained pelvic health physiotherapist matters. A proper assessment looks at the full picture: strength, coordination, tension, and how your pelvic floor interacts with the rest of your body.

Ready to learn more?

If you've been curious about your pelvic floor — or you've been quietly dealing with symptoms you assumed were just "normal" — you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out on your own.

The Pelvic Floor and More course is a 4-week guided program designed to give you real knowledge and practical tools in a warm, supportive group setting. It starts September 16th at NatureSpace Resort, PEI.

Register for the Pelvic Floor and More course — spots are limited.

Sarah Gaudet PT

Compassionate pelvic health physiotherapy for women at every stage of life. Serving Morell and all of Prince Edward Island.

Find Us

Morell, Prince Edward Island
1 (902) 812-3325 (text only)

© 2026 Sarah Gaudet, PT — PEI Health and Wellness. All rights reserved.

Morell, Prince Edward Island