We asked FIX Yoga Teacher, Bryony Hughes to debunk some myths about the Pelvic Floor!
•Myth #1
-PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES ARE ONLY FOR WOMEN.
A study by Mamidi & Gupta (2013) found that the regular practice of Mula bandha (a yoga practise that involves engaging the pelvic floor) for 3 weeks improved ejaculatory control in men experiencing premature ejaculation.
Pelvic floor exercises are also beneficial for men experiencing urinary incontinence and undergoing treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.
•Myth #2
-AFTER HAVING A BABY, YOU MUST WORK YOUR PELVIC FLOOR AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
Many women fear urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse after having a baby. As a result, they work hard on their pelvic floor exercises. While the pelvic floor is likely to be weaker after having a baby, there can be too much of a good thing!
One common mistake is to over engage the pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to spasm, muscle fatigue and pain. Learning to relax & release the muscles fully is as important when rebuilding strength in your pelvic floor.
In postnatal yoga, we use the breath to engage the core muscles and the pelvic floor as one unit. This offers an opportunity to work with the body as a whole and helps to avoid overworking the pelvic floor.
If you are uncertain about your pelvic floor technique, a women’s health specialist physio, like FIX’s very own, Niamh Burn can help you out.