Optimal Postpartum Pelvic Floor: Am I There Yet?

You are now six months or more after giving birth, and perhaps your bottom does not feel quite right yet! Are you wondering if there is reason for concern?

Take the Pelvic Floor Health Index (PFHI) quiz below to find out more, or download the PDF for offline access.

In the postpartum period, you may experience new or worsened pelvic floor symptoms. Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth are two important risk factors for this. Symptoms may include: leakage of urine, stool, or gas, a bulge in the vagina, pelvic pain, pain with sexual intercourse, decreased sensation, decreased sense of attractiveness, and/or avoidance of intimacy.

These symptoms are not normal, and may not necessarily get better on their own. While we know there is sustained improvement for about a year postpartum, there are early interventions that may help speed up your recovery. If one or more of these symptoms bother you, please keep reading!

We have created a new screening questionnaire to evaluate your pelvic floor concerns. The PFHI is a short 10-question survey with yes/no questions that you can complete on your own or with your healthcare provider. If you are interested in learning more about the research behind the survey, please visit our “Research” page.