Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Bobidy on February 27, 2019, 09:16:11 AM

Title: Pelvic Floor Exercises and Bladder Irritation
Post by: Bobidy on February 27, 2019, 09:16:11 AM

Hi all

I've started doing pelvic floor exercises in preparation for my hysterectomy (they are so difficult!)

When I do them it seems to irritate my bladder even though I always go to the loo first.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I know it can take up to 3 months before they are properly 'trained'.

Thanks x

Title: Re: Pelvic Floor Exercises and Bladder Irritation
Post by: jillydoll on February 27, 2019, 08:01:25 PM

I have no experience of that Bobidy, and I just wanted to say hope everything goes ok for you.
But you've got me doing them now ...lol

Xx

Title: Re: Pelvic Floor Exercises and Bladder Irritation
Post by: Taz2 on February 27, 2019, 08:14:46 PM

Hi Bobidy. Have you had specialist advice as to how many to do and how often? You may have done too much too soon if you are not used to doing them. I think you have fibroids?

Taz x

Title: Re: Pelvic Floor Exercises and Bladder Irritation
Post by: Taz2 on February 27, 2019, 10:42:13 PM

That's quite a high amount to start with. Maybe you are pulling up too quickly. Slow and steady is best. They are more difficult lying down too - it can feel as if you aren't actually pulling anything up. Sitting is good for being able to "feel" better. I agree prolapse is to be avoided - I really didn't enjoy having mine and once you have one then the rest sadly often follows. Go easy on yourself though. Were you also taught that you need to perform quick "winks" of the pelvic floor to activate the other muscles?

Taz x

Title: Re: Pelvic Floor Exercises and Bladder Irritation
Post by: Jeepers on February 28, 2019, 01:02:28 PM

Quote from: Taz2 on February 27, 2019, 10:42:13 PM

That's quite a high amount to start with. Maybe you are pulling up too quickly. Slow and steady is best. They are more difficult lying down too - it can feel as if you aren't actually pulling anything up. Sitting is good for being able to "feel" better. I agree prolapse is to be avoided - I really didn't enjoy having mine and once you have one then the rest sadly often follows. Go easy on yourself though. Were you also taught that you need to perform quick "winks" of the pelvic floor to activate the other muscles?

Taz x

I was advised to do the "winks", but it made me all uneccessary, if you get my meaning!  ;D

Title: Re: Pelvic Floor Exercises and Bladder Irritation
Post by: Elizabethlovejoy on February 28, 2019, 03:59:49 PM

When i first started these exercises, my physio started me on  10x 5 second holds, with 5 second releases between,then the ten quick 1 second hold 1second release. After 2 weeks i increased to 10x7 second holds with 7 second releases and the ten quick ones.it was only on week 4 I progressed to 10x10 second holds and releases.
She said never to go above that amount.
I had a bladder prolapse and these exercises have really helped,three years down the line i do them every day. If i misss a couple of days in succession, i do notice the prolapse again,so they clearly work!