Is Your Pelvic Floor Weak? Learn the Signs Now!
Weak pelvic floor muscles can affect your bladder, bowel, sexual health, and overall core stability. If you’re experiencing symptoms like leakage, pelvic pressure, or pain, you’re not alone — and support is available.
At TheraTouch Physiotherapy in Ottawa, our pelvic floor physiotherapists help you assess, diagnose, and strengthen your pelvic floor safely and effectively.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that act like a supportive hammock for your bladder, uterus/prostate, and rectum. These muscles control urination, bowel movements, sexual function, and core stability.
When the pelvic floor becomes weak, it can lead to symptoms that affect your daily comfort and quality of life.
Common Causes of Pelvic Floor Weakness
Pregnancy & childbirth
Hormonal changes (perimenopause/menopause)
Aging
Chronic coughing
Heavy lifting or high-impact exercise
Obesity
Pelvic surgery
Long-term constipation and straining
Learn more about Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation →
How Do You Know If Your Pelvic Floor Is Weak?
Here are the most common signs, explained clearly so you can identify what’s normal — and what’s not.
Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise is one of the clearest signs of pelvic floor weakness. This is known as stress urinary incontinence.
Feeling the urge to urinate often — even shortly after going — may indicate reduced pelvic support for the bladder.
Difficulty controlling gas or stool is linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles and reduced sphincter support.
A sensation of heaviness, pressure, or something “falling out” of the vagina or rectum is a major red flag.
Chronic pelvic pain, discomfort during sitting, or pressure in the lower abdomen can be caused by underactive pelvic floor muscles.
Weak pelvic floor muscles can reduce sensation, make intercourse uncomfortable, or contribute to low sexual satisfaction in both women and men.
Because the pelvic floor is part of your core, weakness often causes compensations that lead to back or hip pain.
Struggling to activate your core during workouts or daily activities is a common sign of pelvic instability and pelvic floor dysfunction.
How Is Pelvic Floor Weakness Diagnosed?
A proper assessment is essential. At TheraTouch Physiotherapy, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will evaluate your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and perform a gentle examination.
This ensures an accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan for strengthening your pelvic floor.
Book a Pelvic Floor Assessment
How to Improve a Weak Pelvic Floor
Weak pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened with the right approach. Your physiotherapist may recommend:
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) taught correctly
Deep core strengthening
Lifestyle modifications such as posture, breathwork, and lifting techniques
Managing constipation to prevent strain
Treating chronic cough
Education around bladder and bowel habits
Learn more about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Men can also develop pelvic floor weakness, leading to pelvic pain, leakage, or sexual dysfunction.
Mild cases may improve with exercises, but guided pelvic floor physiotherapy leads to more effective and lasting results.
No — treatment is gentle, evidence-based, and always tailored to your comfort.
Ready to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, early treatment can prevent the issue from worsening. Our pelvic floor physiotherapists in Ottawa provide private, one-on-one assessments and personalized treatment plans.