Understanding Pelvic Health with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS

In this episode, Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, a seasoned physical therapist, author, and speaker with over 40 years of experience, including almost three decades specializing in women’s health, joins us for a discussion into the often overlooked but crucial topic of pelvic health, its critical role in everyday functions like bowel and bladder control, sexual health, & maintaining stability, and treatment options and resources available including NMF’s free Menopause MicroCourse on genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM). 

As women enter menopause, the pelvic floor faces additional challenges, including incontinence, prolapse, and pain during sex (aka sex dysfunction). Ingrid noted that these issues are commonly misunderstood or dismissed as inevitable and as a result are not addressed. In actuality, these issues are quite treatable and should be addressed as soon as they are noted.

She stressed the importance of recognizing symptoms early and seeking help from qualified, credentialed professionals (e.g., physical therapists, urogynecologists, and certified menopause practitioners / CMPs). Many of these conditions, though common, are manageable with the right care.

One of the most misunderstood pelvic health issues is prolapse, where organs like the bladder or uterus shift from their normal position. Ingrid explained how prolapse often starts subtly, with symptoms like pressure or discomfort, but can progress over time without intervention. Fortunately, prolapse is treatable with both non-surgical and surgical options.

Ingrid emphasized the importance of follow-through, whether it’s attending physical therapy after surgery or making small changes to daily habits. Being aware of changes and understanding how to navigate health issues is an important part of continued self-care. She shared simple but effective strategies to promote pelvic health:

1. Strengthen the Pelvic Floor
2. Stay Active
3. Hydrate and Eat Well
4. Seek Professional Help
5. Ask Questions

Ingrid is a member of NMF’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) and was co-faculty for the NMF’s Menopause MicroCourse on genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM). Her book, The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms, provides a deeper exploration of these topics. She has served on committees for both the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) committee and the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), including serving as the Chair and Vice Chair for the Advanced Practice, Physical Therapy and Allied Health (APPTAH) Special Interest Groups (SIG) and the AUGS Advanced Practice Provider (APP) conference committee.

Connect with Ingrid:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-harm-ernandes-5057773b/
• Instagram: @harmernandes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.harmernandes.71/

Resources referenced in the podcast: 

• The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to solve your pelvic floor symptoms -- available on DesertHarvest.com and Amazon.com
• The National Menopause Foundation’s Menopause MicroCourses