Top 5 Uses for Pelvic Floor Support Garments

Pelvic floor support garments are versatile tools designed to improve the quality of life for women experiencing pelvic health challenges. Whether you’re navigating postpartum recovery, waiting for surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, or managing symptoms like swelling, heaviness, or pelvic or vaginal pressure, these garments can provide effective, non-invasive support. Let’s dive into the many ways these garments can make a difference in your daily life.

How Does a Pelvic Floor Support Garment Work?

A pelvic floor support garment works by providing targeted compression and support to the pelvic region. It helps in reducing pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which can aid in managing pelvic floor disorders like prolapse, vulvar varicosities, and more. Additionally, it can improve posture and allow you to feel more confident engaging in your daily activities.

Top 5 Uses for Pelvic Floor Support Garments

1. Postpartum Recovery

The postpartum period is a time of healing and adjustment for your body, especially after the significant physical changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth. During this time, the pelvic floor often requires additional support to recover fully.

Pelvic floor support garments gently compress and stabilize the abdominal and pelvic areas while wearing the garment, helping reduce discomfort and promote healing. These compression garments can also make everyday activities—like walking, carrying your baby, or even sneezing—feel more manageable. Many postpartum care specialists and pelvic floor physical therapists recommend these garments as an essential tool for recovery, particularly for women dealing with diastasis recti or weakened pelvic muscles.

2. Support While Waiting for Surgery

For those facing pelvic organ prolapse and considering surgical repair, the waiting period can be challenging. Unfortunately, wait times for pelvic organ prolapse repair surgery can vary widely, depending on your location and healthcare system. Some women report waiting several months to a year for their procedures.

During this time, pelvic floor support underwear can offer much-needed relief. These garments help alleviate symptoms like pelvic pressure, bulging sensations, and discomfort, providing stability and comfort as a non-invasive interim solution. For many women, this support improves their ability to participate in everyday activities while they wait for surgery.

3. Managing Heaviness, Bulging, and Other Prolapse Symptoms

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), including uterine prolapse, affects millions of women worldwide. It occurs when the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—descend due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to symptoms like pressure, discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness or a "bulge" in the pelvic area.

Pelvic floor support garments work by gently lifting and supporting the pelvic organs, reducing the strain on weakened muscles or by queuing tense muscles to relax. This can significantly minimize symptoms, improve mobility, and boost confidence in daily life. Whether you’re managing a mild case or trying to avoid symptom exacerbation, these garments offer practical and effective relief. 

4. Relieving Vulvar Varicosities

Vulvar varicosities are swollen veins in the vulvar area, often associated with pregnancy due to increased blood flow and pressure in the pelvic region. They can cause discomfort, swelling, and a heavy sensation, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

Pelvic floor support garments can help by providing targeted compression to the pelvic area, which promotes better circulation and reduces swelling. For pregnant women dealing with vulvar varicosities, these garments can be a game-changer, enabling them to stay active and comfortable throughout their pregnancy.

5. Other Potential Pelvic Floor Support Garment Uses

While pelvic floor support garments are commonly associated with the conditions above, their benefits extend even further:

·      Physical Activity: They can provide support during low-impact exercises like yoga or walking, especially for women with mild pelvic floor issues.

·      Preventative Care: Some women wear these garments proactively to maintain good posture, core stabilization, and pelvic floor health during high-risk activities or life stages.

·      Chronic Pelvic Pain Relief: These garments may complement other treatments for conditions like endometriosis or painful intercourse by offering gentle support and compression.

How to Choose the Right Pelvic Floor Support Garment

Selecting the right pelvic floor support garment is key to maximizing its benefits. Consider factors like proper fit, material, and level of support. It’s also essential to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure you’re choosing the best option for your specific needs.

If you're just beginning your pelvic health journey and would like a tool to help you navigate your conversations with your healthcare provider, our free pelvic health symptom tracker can help you better understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor support garments are a versatile and effective tool for addressing a variety of pelvic health challenges. From aiding postpartum recovery to managing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, uterine prolapse, and vulvar varicosities, these garments offer women a non-invasive way to feel supported and confident in their daily lives.

If you’re curious about how these garments could help you, explore our pelvic floor support garments today. Remember, taking steps to care for your pelvic health is an investment in your overall well-being.

At Hem Support Wear, we believe that you deserve to feel empowered in every step of your pelvic health journey–no matter when your journey begins. Use the share buttons below to help us spread the word about pelvic floor health and normalize the conversation.