Coping with Sickness and Your Pelvic Floor: What you Need to Know

January 9, 2024

Coping with Sickness and Your Pelvic Floor: What You Need to Know

 

We are going to discuss an important topic that often gets overlooked: how sickness can affect your pelvic floor health. We’ll explore why this happens and, most importantly, how you can cope with it. So, if you’ve ever wondered why your pelvic floor symptoms flare up when you’re sick, keep reading to learn more.The Impact of Sickness on Pelvic Floor Health

 

It’s no secret that sickness can take a toll on your overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with a common cold, sinus infection, or a more severe illness, your body goes into overdrive to fight off the invaders. But have you ever considered how this impacts your pelvic floor?

 

1. Posture: When you’re sick, you tend to adopt a posture that’s more curled up and relaxed. Think about it – you’re more likely to be found on the couch or in bed than standing tall with good posture. This change in posture can affect your pelvic floor muscles.
2. Diet: Your eating habits often change when you’re under the weather. You might not feel as hungry or opt for lighter, easily digestible foods like soup. These dietary changes can have an impact on your bladder and pelvic floor.
3. Stress Level: Sickness is stressful in itself. You’re juggling your health, household tasks, work responsibilities, and possibly family care. This stress can lead to muscle tension, affecting your pelvic floor function.
4. Activity Level: When you’re unwell, you’re less likely to engage in your regular physical activities. Even simple movements can become a struggle. Reduced physical activity can affect your pelvic floor’s tone and function.

 

Now that we understand how sickness can affect your pelvic floor, let’s talk about what you can do to cope with it.

1. Don’t Panic: The first and most crucial piece of advice is not to panic. It can be discouraging when your pelvic floor symptoms flare up while you’re making progress. But remember, setbacks are normal, and they’re usually temporary.
2. Give Your Body Time: Understand that your body needs time to heal from sickness. It won’t last forever, and it doesn’t mean you’re backsliding completely.
3. Focus on Posture: As you start feeling better, pay attention to your posture. Try to stand and sit with good posture as much as possible. This can help your pelvic floor muscles get back on track.
4. Gradual Activity: When you’re ready, reintroduce gentle physical activity into your routine. Start with light stretches or short walks and gradually increase your activity level as you recover.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Get back to a balanced diet that supports your overall health and pelvic floor function. Stay hydrated with water and limit bladder-irritating substances.
6. Manage Stress: Implement stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking time for yourself to relax and recover.

 

Sickness and your pelvic floor health are indeed related, but setbacks are normal and temporary. By understanding the impact of sickness on your body and following the steps mentioned above, you can navigate these challenging times more effectively. Remember, your pelvic floor knows what it needs to do, and with a little patience and self-care, you’ll bounce back to feeling your best. So, don’t let sickness cause unnecessary panic – take care of yourself and your pelvic floor, and you’ll be back on track in no time.

 

Share to: