{"id":7677,"date":"2026-01-19T19:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7677"},"modified":"2026-01-19T19:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T19:30:00","slug":"addressing-pelvic-floor-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7677","title":{"rendered":"Addressing pelvic floor myths"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2026-01-19T19:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Be in the know<\/h2>\n

Physical therapist Amy Legerski chose physical therapy because it offers a unique opportunity to help people improve their quality of life and to participate in the things that matter most to them. She is especially passionate about empowering women, by addressing myths about pelvic floor issues.<\/p>\n

This passion for pelvic floor therapy came from seeing its benefits firsthand. While she was completing a clinical rotation for her doctorate, Legerski was completely hooked after witnessing the profound impact it had on patients\u2019 lives. Since then, she has sought opportunities to deepen her knowledge of the pelvic floor and its role in everyday function and well-being.<\/p>\n

\u201cPelvic floor rehabilitation is an area of care that is often overlooked, but one that can make a life-changing difference,\u201d said Legerski, who works at the Sheridan VA Medical Center<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cSo many pelvic floor dysfunctions have been normalized. While common, they are not normal and are often\u00a0dismissed as just part of life, especially for women.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

She also noted that this normalization, stigma and misinformation can prevent people from seeking help, even when their symptoms are treatable. However, one in three women struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction. Some symptoms include constipation or straining, feeling of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area. Other examples include pain with intercourse or pelvic exams, pain in the low back, hips, or tailbone that hasn\u2019t responded to other treatments.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiving with these issues can have a huge impact on quality of life,\u201d said Legerski. \u201cPhysical therapy can help reduce symptoms and help people get back to doing the things they love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Myths vs. facts about the pelvic floor<\/h2>\n

Legerski shared some common myths she hears from her patients:<\/p>\n

MYTH: \u201cI just leak a little when I laugh, sneeze or exercise\u2014that\u2019s normal after kids, right?\u201d
FACT: Common, yes. But not normal. And treatable.<\/p>\n

MYTH: \u201cI always have to know where the bathroom is\u2014I just have a small bladder.\u201d
FACT: That could be urgency or frequency related to pelvic floor dysfunction.<\/p>\n

MYTH: \u201cSex has been painful for years\u2014I thought that was just part of aging.\u201d
FACT: Pain with intercourse is not something you have to live with.<\/p>\n

MYTH: \u201cI feel pressure down there, but I thought that was just what happens after childbirth.\u201d
FACT: That could be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse, which can be managed with therapy.<\/p>\n

Pelvic floor therapy is always tailored to the patient. It may include a physical examination and possible internal examination, education, exercises, posture and breathing work, manual therapy, behavioral changes and strategies for daily life. It\u2019s all done in a private, respectful setting, and you\u2019re always in control of your care. <\/p>\n

Although currently just seeing women for pelvic floor therapy, Legerski plans to complete continuing education this winter to be able to assist men as well.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to begin or continue your own path to wellness, know that you\u2019re not alone. From nutrition counseling, fitness programs and community wellness events, VA offers<\/a> a variety of support tools. Reach out, get connected and take that next step toward a healthier, happier you<\/p>\n

\n

This article was originally published on the VA Sheridan Health care System site <\/a>and has been edited for style and clarity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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