Partnering in Pelvic Health: Why Support Matters and How to Offer It
You're Not in This Alone
Pelvic floor issues like pain, prolapse, leakage, or sexual dysfunction can feel isolating, but healing doesn’t have to happen in a vacuum. Whether you're experiencing symptoms firsthand or supporting someone who is, this journey is easier (and often more effective) when it's shared. Let’s talk about how loved ones (especially intimate partners) can play an empowering role in pelvic health.
1. Pelvic Health Is a Team Sport
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just impact one person, it can ripple through relationships, intimacy, confidence, and everyday routines. And while therapy and clinical support are key, emotional and relational support is just as powerful.
Supportive partnerships can:
Increase consistency with home exercises
Reduce shame and isolation
Improve communication and intimacy
Create a more connected healing process
2. What Real Support Looks Like
Here’s how partners can show up meaningfully:
Listen without fixing: You don’t need to have the answers—just being present is enough.
Attend a session (if invited): Even joining one visit can offer insight into what your partner is experiencing.
Cheer on the little wins: Consistency is hard! Acknowledge when your partner does the hard stuff.
Help protect rest time: Offer to take something off their plate when they’re feeling depleted.
Talk about it: Normalize conversations about pelvic health. The more you talk, the less power shame has.
3. Navigating Communication and Intimacy
Pelvic floor dysfunction often touches sensitive areas like identity, self-worth, and sexuality. Open, compassionate communication can help bridge gaps in understanding and strengthen connection.
Tips for better communication:
Start with empathy: "I want to understand what you're going through. What can I do to help you feel supported?"
Redefine intimacy: Intimacy isn’t just about sex. Cuddling, laughing, and holding hands are all acts of intimacy that can bring couples closer in their connection.
Respect pacing: Some days will be harder than others. Patience is key.
4. When Sex Is on the Table (or Not)
If sex has become painful, scary, or simply off the table for a while, that is 1000% okay. Supporting your partner may mean:
Avoiding pressure or guilt
Exploring other ways of being intimate
Celebrating non-sexual touch and connection
Sometimes, just knowing you’re loved regardless of sexual performance can be the biggest relief.
Support Is a Healing Tool
You don’t need to be a pelvic floor expert to be a powerful ally in someone’s healing. Show up with curiosity. Listen with your whole heart. And remind them (and yourself) that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in partnership.
Share this post with a partner, or bring it to your next therapy session. Because pelvic health is personal, yes—but it’s also relational. And you don’t have to walk through it alone.