Ep 32: Pelvic Floor Basics with Amanda Frank, PT, PhD

Pelvic floor leaks, prolapse, “oops” moments when you sneeze, painful sex… we’re going there. In this episode, we sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Amanda to break down what the pelvic floor actually is, why it matters at every age (not just postpartum), and why so many of the things we’ve been told are “just part of being a woman” are absolutely treatable—not something you have to live with forever.

Amanda explains how the pelvic floor works with your core, diaphragm, back, and hips as one “pressurized canister,” and why symptoms like urinary leakage, constipation, prolapse, and pain with intercourse are red flags that deserve real care—not jokes and eye-rolls. She walks us through what a pelvic floor PT exam is actually like (spoiler: no stirrups, no spotlight on your “hoo-ha”), and how most women start feeling better in as little as six weeks of targeted therapy.

We also dig into:

• What the pelvic floor is and how it supports your bladder, bowels, organs, and sexual function

• The difference between “common” and normal when it comes to leaking, prolapse, and pain

• How menopause, perimenopause, breastfeeding, and dropping estrogen levels impact pelvic floor health

• Early signs of pelvic floor dysfunction that women often ignore or laugh off

• Why Kegels aren’t a one-size-fits-all answer (and when they can actually make things worse)

• What really happens in a pelvic floor PT session—from internal work to functional strength training

• Lifestyle changes that help (think fiber, water, walking, and moving your body)

• The emotional side: intimacy, identity, embarrassment, and pulling back from the activities you love

If you’ve ever crossed your legs to sneeze, avoided jumping or running, worried about prolapse, or quietly changed your social life because of leakage or pain, this episode is for you. Pelvic floor problems are common, but not normal—and there are solutions.

Hit play to feel informed, seen, and empowered to ask for the help you deserve.

Keywords

prolapse, recovery, misinformation, physical activity, empowerment

Summary

The conversation delves into the experience of living with a prolapse, addressing the initial shock of diagnosis, the prevalent misinformation surrounding physical activity post-diagnosis, and the importance of empowerment and knowledge in recovery. The speaker emphasizes that individuals can still engage in various physical activities despite a prolapse, countering the fear and misconceptions often associated with the condition.

Takeaways

I have a prolapse and was initially shocked. Doctors often discourage physical activity after diagnosis. There is a lot of misinformation about prolapse. People can still lift weights and be active. Fear surrounding prolapse can be debilitating. Empowerment is essential for recovery. Understanding your body helps in managing prolapse. Prolapse doesn't mean you have to stop exercising. Knowledge about prolapse can lead to better outcomes. Misinformation can prevent individuals from recovering fully.

Titles

Living with Prolapse: My Journey Breaking the Myths of Prolapse

Sound bites

"I have a prolapse." "Can I keep lifting weights?" "That's just not true."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Pelvic Floor 00:22 Addressing Urinary Leakage and Treatment Options