Understanding Pelvic Floor Health: A Woman's Journey

Priya Bhuvad, a 43-year-old corporate professional, recently shared her struggle with urinary leakage, which she experienced during activities like jumping and exercising. For nearly two years, she managed this embarrassing issue in silence, unaware that it was linked to a broader pelvic floor dysfunction. Alongside the leakage, she also felt incomplete bladder emptying and reduced sensation during intimacy, symptoms that many women often dismiss as normal after childbirth.

The pelvic floor consists of muscles and tissues that support vital organs such as the bladder and uterus. Factors like pregnancy, obesity, and menopause can weaken these muscles, leading to complications. Despite being fit and busy with her career, Bhuvad had neglected pelvic floor exercises and rehabilitation following her two vaginal deliveries. A medical examination ultimately revealed that her urinary bladder was bulging into the vagina, accompanied by a first-degree uterine prolapse, a condition where the uterus descends into the vaginal canal.

Following her diagnosis, Bhuvad underwent surgery to repair the vaginal walls and strengthen the tissue between the vagina and anus. Fortunately, surgery on the uterus was unnecessary due to the minimal descent. Six months post-surgery, she reported significant improvements in her urinary incontinence and other pelvic symptoms. Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, a consultant obstetrician, emphasized that many women mistakenly believe that urinary leakage is a normal consequence of motherhood, often delaying medical consultation and necessary muscle-strengthening exercises.

The prevalence of urinary incontinence among women is highlighted by recent studies in India. A 2023 study indicated that 27.1% of women aged 20 to 70 experienced urinary incontinence, with stress urinary incontinence being the most common type. Another study from 2025 found that 37% of women over 40 reported similar issues. Symptoms can include leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising, and can also manifest as pelvic pressure, difficulty with bladder emptying, and painful intercourse.

Despite the risks associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, awareness remains low, particularly among younger women. Many are unaware of the importance of pelvic floor exercises, with over 90% knowing about them but only a few practicing regularly. The postpartum period is often a missed opportunity for intervention, as follow-up care tends to focus on feeding and recovery rather than pelvic health. Dr. Siddhartha advocates for early rehabilitation and proper technique in pelvic floor exercises, stressing that these disorders should not be accepted as inevitable outcomes of childbirth or aging.