Pelvic Floor Health and POP Resources
At Hem Support Wear, we know it's important to normalize the conversation about pelvic floor health. Far too many people feel isolated, confused, and embarrassed about their pelvic floor conditions, when in fact it is extremely common to experience changes to your pelvic floor as you go through life.
There are many things on a broader scale that can be done to help (including increasing funding for pelvic floor health studies and providing greater access to physical therapy), but there are also things we can do as individuals to help move the needle. At the heart of what we stand for, we believe in empowering our community by providing resources, information, and connection for people at all stages of their pelvic health journeys. We hope you’ll find the list below helpful for you or someone you care about.
Nationwide Healthcare Institutions, Corporations, and Nonprofits specializing in Pelvic Floor Health:
Many of the country’s most well-known healthcare institutions offer a general overview of pelvic floor health and pelvic organ prolapse, and these resources can be a great starting point for those who are just beginning their journeys or are looking to take the first step in helping a loved one. While symptoms can vary and do change over time, learning more about what POP feels like, looks like, and how it affects your overall health can help empower you to take your next steps and feel less alone.
- US Department of Health and Human Services
- The Mayo Clinic
- Voices for PFD
- UCLA Health
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- WebMD
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy:
Working with a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor health can provide physical, emotional, and mental support and guidance. It is worth nothing that you do not have to wait until you have a problem to visit a pelvic floor physical therapist. Like many other things with your health, it is worth being proactive if possible to understand what is going on with your body and what might be helpful now and in the future.
- APTA's PT Locator - The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (APTA) is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional association of more than 3,700 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists. Their PT Locator Service can help you find a pelvic floor physical therapist in your area.
- Ask your primary healthcare provider or OBGYN for recommendations. You might have to be the one to bring it up, but you can start with a simple question, such as: “I’ve heard about pelvic floor physical therapy and I’m curious about it. Can you tell me more about it?”
You may need your doctor to submit a referral for you to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. The referral requirement varies from state to state. Let them know you are interested in pelvic floor physical therapy as part of your overall care and you would like for them to send a referral to a physical therapist they recommend or that you have already set up an appointment with.
- Curious about what to expect at an initial appointment with a pelvic floor PT? This video provides a great overview of what you might be able to expect.
Pelvic Health Symptom Tracker:
- Regularly tracking your symptoms can be a game-changer! Our free printable Pelvic Health Symptom Tracker provides an easy way to keep track of your symptoms so you and your healthcare provider can better understand your unique condition and make informed decisions about your care.
Pelvic Floor Health & Women's Health Instagram Accounts:
Social media can provide a great way to connect with other people, healthcare providers, and organizations who are helping to spread the word about pelvic floor health. Here are a few accounts you may find helpful:
Pelvic Floor Health Resources in Austin, TX:
As a small business based in the Austin, TX area, we’re proud to spread the word about other local companies, organizations, and healthcare providers.
- Lady Bird Physical Therapy - Lady Bird Physical Therapy was founded to provide simple, actionable solutions to the symptoms and fears experienced by birthing people. They specialize in prenatal and postpartum physical therapy to help you manage pregnancy pains, prepare for birth and recover postpartum.
Personal Stories/Case Studies of people with POP:
We know that many people suffer in silence, but it does not have to be that way. It’s part of our mission to help normalize the conversation about pelvic health, and we’re here to provide a platform for people to share their stories. Hearing about another person’s journey with POP helps everyone feel a little less alone.
- Our founder, Lauren’s, story
- Meet Kimberley, a young mother who shares her POP journey on her Instagram
- Would you like to share your own experience with POP? Get in touch to share your story with our Hummingbird community.
Resources for loved ones or partners of people with POP:
If there is someone in your life who is experiencing or has experienced POP (and there probably is–you just may not know it because it isn’t often talked about), there are things you can do to show your love and support.
- Educating yourself is one way to begin. Take a look at some of the resources from the medical institutions listed at the top of this guide to start familiarizing yourself with why pelvic health matters and what POP is.
- An article for men whose partners are experiencing POP
**Medical Disclaimer: This post is intended to provide information and resources only. This post or any of the information contained within should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your healthcare, conditions, and recommended treatment.