5 Things I No Longer Do as a Pelvic Floor Therapist

Once you understand more about how the pelvic floor works, some everyday habits start to look a little different. 

Things like going to the bathroom before leaving the house, holding your breath when lifting something, or doing Kegels throughout the day can feel harmless. But your bladder, bowels, breathing, core, and pelvic floor all work together. 

In the video below, one of our Pelvic Floor Therapists, Katie Wolfley, PT DPT, shares five things she no longer does, plus one bonus habit she thinks deserves a closer look. 

1. Should You Always Go to the Bathroom When You Feel the Urge? 

Not every bladder signal means you need to go right away. 

Sometimes you may be able to wait a little before heading to the bathroom. The goal is not to ignore your body, but to understand that bladder urges are not always a perfect reflection of how full your bladder is. 

Bowel urges are different. When your body is telling you it is time for a bowel movement, it is generally better to listen. 

The takeaway: Bladder and bowel urges are different. Learning your normal patterns can help you respond appropriately. 

2. Is It Bad to Pee “Just in Case”? 

Most of us have done this. 

You are leaving the house, starting a long drive, or heading into a meeting, so you go to the bathroom even though you do not really have to. 

Doing this once in a while is not a big deal. But if it becomes a regular habit, your bladder can start to expect emptying before it is actually full. 

Over time, that may lead to more frequent urges. 

The takeaway: If you do not really have to go, you may not need to go just because it is convenient. 

3. Can Holding Your Breath Affect Your Pelvic Floor? 

Your breathing, core, and pelvic floor all work together. 

When you hold your breath during exercise, lifting, or everyday movement, you change the pressure inside your abdomen. That can make it harder for your core and pelvic floor to coordinate well. 

The goal is not to overthink every breath. Just try to avoid holding your breath without realizing it. 

The takeaway: Natural breathing helps your core and pelvic floor work together. 

4. Is It Bad to Pee in the Shower? 

This one gets a lot of attention. 

The concern is not that peeing in the shower once will create a pelvic floor problem. 

It is more about the habit your brain and bladder can build over time. 

If you regularly urinate while hearing running water, your brain may start connecting that sound with the urge to go. For some people, that can make running water feel like a bathroom signal. 

The takeaway: Try not to make running water part of your usual bathroom routine. 

5. What Causes Pelvic Floor Problems? It Is Not Always What You Think 

One of the biggest lessons in pelvic floor therapy is not to make assumptions. 

Two people can have the same symptom for completely different reasons. 

Leakage does not always mean the pelvic floor is weak. Pelvic pain does not always mean the problem starts in the pelvis. Symptoms can be influenced by your hips, back, core, breathing, muscle tension, strength, coordination, and other factors. 

That is why Pelvic Floor Therapy starts with figuring out what is actually contributing to your symptoms. 

The takeaway: The symptom is only one part of the story. 

Bonus: Can You Do Too Many Kegels? 

Kegels are probably the best-known pelvic floor exercise, but they are not right for everyone. 

For some people, strengthening the pelvic floor can be helpful. For others, the muscles may already be tight or may have trouble relaxing. 

That is why doing Kegels throughout the day just because they are supposed to be “healthy” is not always the best approach. 

The takeaway: Pelvic floor exercises should match what your body actually needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Floor Health 

When Should You See a Pelvic Floor Therapist? 

Pelvic floor symptoms are common, and they can sometimes feel uncomfortable to talk about. But you do not have to figure them out on your own. 

A pelvic floor evaluation may be helpful if you are dealing with things like: 

• • Bladder leakage 
  • Frequent or sudden urges to urinate 
  • Bowel difficulties 
  • Pelvic pain or pressure 
  • Trouble relaxing your pelvic floor 
  • Pain with certain activities or movements 
  • Symptoms that keep coming back or are not improving 

Pelvic floor therapy starts with understanding what is contributing to your symptoms and building a plan around you. 

Regain Function & Regain Control