Frequently Asked Pelvic Floor Questions & Answers

Is this program only for women with pelvic floor problems?

No. The information covered in our program is essential for all women wanting to improve or protect pelvic floor health.

I am already participating in core training classes. Will I still benefit from this program?

Discreetly Fit and current core training classes available are completely different. Discreetly Fit is explicitly concerned with preventing and naturally reversing pelvic floor issues through safe pelvic floor specific strengthening and protective lifestyle from the women's health point of view.

How is this program different from a physiotherapist's treatment?

We use different techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles than physiotherapists. We also have 7 hours long to share important information that your practitioner may not always have time to explain. Our program can be a great complement to your physiotherapist's treatment.

Can I purchase the Discreetly Fit Pelvic Floor Muscle Training CD without completing the course?

No. During the course we are taking many small steps to learn the training program. With the right learning curves these exercises are easy to master for all women. Based on feedback from our participants and biofeedback from real time ultrasound we ensure that all participants perform the exercises correctly and able to distinguish between the different types of contraction. It would be impossible to follow the CD correctly without attending the course.

Where are the pelvic floor muscles and what do they do?

The pelvis is a ring-like structure made of bones. It has a large opening through the middle, which the baby passes through. This opening is completely sealed by the pelvic floor muscle group from below. These muscles hold onto each other in complex ways and function as one unit. They work to:

What are the symptoms of pelvic floor weakness?

You can find them here.

What causes pelvic floor weakness?

Pelvic floor weakness is not a single cause condition; there are many deteriorating factors including:

• Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Ageing
• Lifestyle
• Inactivity
• Inappropriate exercise
• Ignored pelvic floor issues
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes

Who is affected by pelvic floor weakness?

Pelvic floor weakness affects women across all age groups, especially pre/post natal and menopausal women.

I occasionally leak when I sneeze if I have a full bladder. Am I incontinent?

This is called stress incontinence and it is the first sign of pelvic floor weakness and an optimal time to act. Stress incontinence is extremely common among women, affecting at least 1 in 3. Pelvic floor muscle training is proven to be an effective way to improve bladder control.

Will pelvic floor weakness worsen over time?

Yes. Minor pelvic floor problems tend to get worse without treatment. Occasional bladder accidents become a need to wear a pad all the time; having a toilet map of town becomes a necessity; sagging pelvic organs prolapse and sexual passion disappears from relationships. Your self-esteem will also severely suffer in the process.

When should I start looking after my pelvic floor?

The earlier you start looking after your feminine foundation, the easier it will be to prevent, reverse or improve weakness.

Am I too young/old to participate in the Discreetly Fit program?

The Discreetly Fit program is for any woman who is interested in intimate fitness and well-being, regardless of age.

How quickly will I see results after attending the Pelvic Floor Short Course?

Your muscles will feel stronger after 10 weeks and you will experience a significant difference after 16 weeks. Women often report a change in just one week. Results will depend on the quality and frequency of your pelvic floor muscle training, your individual weakness, lifestyle, connective tissue type and age.

How long do I have to continue to train my pelvic floor?

Although everyday pelvic floor muscles training will not be necessary after the initial four months strengthening phase, looking after your pelvic floor muscles and making sure they function correctly is an essential part of your well-being.

Why would Discreetly Fit work for me?

The Discreetly Fit Pelvic Floor Short Course does not only teach you to strengthen your pelvic floor muscle but also to activate them and live a pelvic floor conscious lifestyle. This knowledge combined with effective training will give you a better chance of achieving results. How well and persistently you apply your skills and knowledge will be a determining factor in your success. There are no magic cures, short cuts or quick fixes when it comes to long term pelvic floor health.

Why would I get results from Discreetly Fit exercises?

Kegel exercises (pelvic floor contractions) can be very effective if they are preformed correctly. Discreetly Fit will teach you to contract your hidden muscles in the most effective way. Many women feel that the course taught them to contract their pelvic floor muscles properly for the first time. We use different types of Kegel exercises to maximise the effect so no muscle fibres can stay hidden from our strengthening attack. Our initial 4-month strengthening program is preformed for approx. 10 minutes, 1/day. With consistent effort it is impossible not to see results.

My doctor said that I have saggy pelvic organs. Can I rectify this?

Yes. You have a good chance of reversing the sagging by making lifestyle changes and starting strengthening exercises. This is important because the descent can continue until the sagging organ peeks out of the vagina. This makes natural reversal much more difficult.

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is the descent of one or more pelvic organs into the vagina. Prolapse is a remarkably common health disorder amongst women. It affects 30% of all women and 50% of women who have given birth. Though it is not a life threatening condition, it can seriously impact on one's quality of life and self-esteem.

How do I know if I have prolapse?

At the initial stages prolapse may be symptom-free, ask your doctor to check for sagging or prolapse. Symptoms may include:

Do you think my pelvic floor is beyond repair?

The pelvic floor muscles are just like any other skeletal muscles in our body. You can improve their condition with exercise. If a muscle moves, you can strengthen it. Move your pelvic floor muscles by stopping the flow of your urine. If you can stop or slow down your urine, your pelvic floor muscles are functioning so you can further improve them. Don't practise the urine stopping exercise regularly as it promotes incorrect bladder function.

Is there surgery to fix pelvic floor related problems?

Yes there are dozens of surgical procedures because fixing a broken pelvic floor with surgery is complicated. Surgery is not foolproof and over 30% of cases need further procedures or permanent side-effects are created. If you are considering surgery, do plenty of research about your condition, your doctor and your chosen procedure. Get more than one opinion and remember that you should not need to get rid of a pelvic organ to fix a prolapse unless it's a life-threatening situation. You have a much better chance of a long-term solution after surgery if you live a pelvic floor conscious lifestyle and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

My doctor suggested surgery. What can I do to avoid it? Can I fix my prolapse naturally?

Pelvic floor related disorders requiring surgery are not life threatening so you can allow yourself at least 6 months to try to make a difference. Your best chance is to learn how to live a pelvic floor-friendly lifestyle and strengthen the muscles of the pelvis. Many women find pessary use a permanently viable option to surgery. Even if you still need surgery, you will have a better chance of long-term success.

Will this program help me to reduce birthing injuries?

Yes. Research shows that effective muscle training can reduce damage to the pelvic floor as part of birth preparation. Prepared muscles can stretch and relax more effectively. During our course you will also pick up some important protective pelvic floor tips for childbirth to avoid stretching, tearing and long term pelvic floor issues.

I had a baby and my pelvic floor feels very weak. Do I need to take action or will it rehabilitate in time?

It would be nice if the pelvic floor re-strengthened by itself automatically after chilbirth. But this is impossible without specific action. Many women feel that their vaginas are loose after childbirth and bladder control weakened. The earlier you start to re-strengthen the pelvic floor the easier it will be to return it to its gloriously virgin-like shape. In fact, this is a critical time for the pelvic floor to be rehabilitated since each childbirth will further weaken your pelvic floor.

I am due to give birth very soon. Can I still attend the course or should I wait until after the baby's birth?

If your doctor gives you the go ahead, it is a great idea to complete the course before the baby is born. That way you can utilise your newly acquired pelvic floor coordination skills during childbirth and know what is damaging, which will reduce your chance of birthing injuries. It's best to start engaging your pelvic floor within 24 hours of childbirth so you can also take advantage of our pelvic floor rebuild program.

Shall I opt for a caesarean birth to avoid pelvic floor weakness?

It may seem logical that having an elective c-section will help to avoid pelvic floor issues. But this is not so: research shows that there is no significant long-term difference in occurrences of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse between women birthing vaginally and those who had a c-section. The risks associated with an elective c-section (as well as slower recovery time and loss of experience) outweigh the benefits of avoiding a vaginal birth because of possible pelvic floor dysfunction. Let's believe and trust that nature has created the best possible way to birth our babies. Besides, being pregnant alone is a contributing factor to pelvic floor weakness.

Can Discreetly Fit help me to improve my sex life?

Yes. Fit pelvic floor (love) muscles will increase sensation during intimacy and it will be easier to become aroused to reach orgasm. These muscles also assist your partner's work by grabbing him firmly to stay in and feel good.

I am menopausal and my pelvic floor is starting to feel weak. Can I do anything to improve this?

Certainly. A pelvic floor-friendly lifestyle and regular exercise will help to keep your pelvic floor functioning for a long time. We live a third of our lives under the influence of menopause, so be wise and protect your quality of life.

I am already receiving treatment for my pelvic floor condition. Will I still benefit from your program?

Absolutely. Participating in the Discreetly Fit program will complement any treatment you may be receiving.

Can I avoid talking to my doctor regarding my pelvic floor problems if I attend the course?

Participating in Discreetly Fit will not replace a visit to your doctor regarding your pelvic floor issues. In most cases, small problems turn out to be the consequence of common pelvic floor weakening caused by childbearing, aging or lifestyle. However, sometimes they are caused by an underlying medical condition like diabetes. This can only be determined by a qualified medical practitioner. If your symptoms require the attention of a specialist, he or she will help you to understand the causes of your symptoms and find the best treatment plan. In these cases, Discreetly Fit can complement the healing process.

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