Pelvic Floor Therapy Transformed My Body Confidence During Perimenopause

I was wearing pads during the day because I could not control my urine when I exercised. I was embarrassed. I thought this was just what happened to women during perimenopause. I had accepted it as my new reality. Then I saw a pelvic floor physical therapist. Within four weeks, my symptoms were significantly better. Within three months, the problem was almost completely resolved. I had no idea that pelvic floor dysfunction was treatable. I thought I just had to accept it. I was so wrong.

How I got here

My pelvic floor dysfunction started during early perimenopause. I started leaking urine when I coughed or sneezed. I started leaking when I exercised. I felt embarrassed and self-conscious. I thought this was just what happened to women during perimenopause. I was wrong. I mentioned it to my doctor and she referred me to a pelvic floor physical therapist. I was skeptical. What could a therapist possibly do about my pelvic floor? I thought this was just a symptom I had to manage. I was so wrong.

What I actually did

I went to my first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment. The therapist explained that my pelvic floor muscles had become weak and uncoordinated during perimenopause. This was treatable. I started doing pelvic floor exercises. The exercises felt strange at first because I did not know what I was doing. The therapist used biofeedback to help me understand what I was supposed to feel. Within two weeks, I could feel the difference. My pelvic floor muscles were waking up. Within four weeks, my incontinence during exercise had decreased significantly. I went from wearing pads every day to occasionally. By three months, I did not need pads at all. I also noticed that my sexual pleasure had improved because my pelvic floor was stronger.

What actually changed

My urinary incontinence resolved. My body confidence came back. I could exercise without worrying about leaking. I could laugh or cough without worrying about leaking. My sex life improved. My quality of life improved dramatically. I could not believe that such a common symptom of perimenopause was so treatable. I wish I had known about pelvic floor physical therapy earlier.

What my routine looks like now

I continue to do my pelvic floor exercises. I go back to my pelvic floor therapist every few months for check-ins. I track my symptoms using PeriPlan. I am amazed at how much my quality of life has improved. I exercise without worrying about incontinence. I feel confident in my body again.

If you are experiencing urinary incontinence during perimenopause, please know that it is treatable. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help. You do not have to accept this as a permanent part of perimenopause. Talk to your doctor about a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation.