Pelvic Pain Myths: What You’ve Been Told vs. What’s Actually True
Here at the London Vulvar Pain Clinic, with regard to the important facts about pelvic pain, our leading team of Pain Doctors are always mindful of the myths that are constantly circulating on MSM. To that end, we have compiled a list of the most common myths, and given the correct information on each topic. And if you are suffering from Pelvic Pain, book an online or in-person appoint with one of our Pain or Vulva Doctors. They will provide you with a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan. This can include both conventional treatment, and the latest cutting-edge therapies, injectables and pain blockers.
Myth No 1: Drinking Water Will Make Me Urinate Even More
FALSE: Did you know that contrary to most people’s beliefs, “drinking more water can actually make you have to pee less frequently because it dilutes the urine in the bladder which is less irritating to the lining of the bladder. However, if you do drink a large amount of water in one sitting, then your bladder will stretch quickly which makes it want to empty, so you will still have to pee” [1]. Therefore, whilst it is healthy to drink plenty of water (subject to any contra-indications), it is a good idea to space it out evenly during the course of the day [1].
Myth No 2: All of Us Should Do Kegels to Rev Up Orgasm/Sex, & Maintain Continence
FALSE: Kegel exercises (AKA pelvic floor muscle training), work to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The latter support the rectum, small intestine, bladder (and uterus in women) [2]. Kegels can ameliorate incontinence if the disorder is due to weak muscles that are not able to provide a good seal. Conversely, as your Pain or Vulva Doctor will tell you, should your incontinence be down to a weak abdominal wall or over exerted muscles, then not only will Kegels not help, they could even make you incontinence worse [1]. When you book an online or in-person appointment with one of our Pain or Vulva Doctors, after they have reviewed you medical history, asked you various pertinent questions, and arranged any necessary examination, tests and scans, they will then provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
Moreover, whilst Kegels can rump up orgasm and sex due to strengthening specific pelvic floor muscles that play a role in orgasm ans sex, should your pelvic muscles be already strong, then doing Kegels will not ameliorate how they function. In fact, doing this could even bring on new difficulties. (This can occur if the muscles become too tight and strong). Furthermore, should there be another factor impairing your orgasm and sex, then strength training will do nothing to ameliorate it [1]. So to that end, it is imperative to contact a Pain or Vulva Doctor to get to the root of the problem as soon as possible.
Myth No 3: We Can Get Venereal Disease By Sitting on a Public Toilet Seat
FALSE: Only a very small percentage of people will contract a disease this way. Moreover, as our Pain Consultants regularly tell patients, “hovering over the toilet seat activates the muscles that are supposed to be relaxing in order to open the floodgates and allow you to evacuate” [1].
Myth No 4: You Have to Strain on the Toilet to Get a Normal Bowel Movement
FALSE: A normal bowel movement comprises soft formed stool (rather like soft ice cream or toothpaste). If you are having difficulties, you should be able to evacuate easily when you take a deep breath with your feet up on a stool [1]. Moreover, you need to have sufficient fibre in your diet (your Pain Doctor will advise you on this and other factors) [1].
References
[1]. Fontaine, M. (2016). “Have you heard these common pelvic rumors? Can you guess which ones are true or false?” Pelvic Pain Rehab.
[2]. Mayo Clinic (2024). “Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women.”https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises/art-20045283#:~:text=Kegel%20exercises%20strengthen%20the%20pelvic,do%20Kegels%20just%20about%20anytime.