Best Counselling In Kannur: Pelvic floor exercises for GSM

Monday, March 30, 2026

Pelvic floor exercises for GSM

The doctor is in

Stacy Henigsman

DO, MSCP

Can pelvic floor exercises help with urinary incontinence and genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, are a simple yet effective way to strengthen the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. These exercises can help with two common conditions that affect many people: urinary incontinence and genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Many people experience these conditions due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles over time. This weakening can happen for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes during menopause, aging, obesity, chronic coughing, or repeated heavy lifting. When these muscles become weak, they cannot properly support your bladder and other pelvic organs, leading to involuntary leakage and discomfort. But like any other muscle in your body, your pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened through regular exercise.

Benefits for urinary incontinence

Pelvic floor exercises have been shown to significantly reduce or even eliminate leakage episodes due to urinary incontinence in many women. Some studies show improvement rates ranging from 48% to around 80% in people who perform these exercises regularly. The exercises work by strengthening the muscles that help control your bladder. When performed consistently, they can reduce the frequency and amount of leakage. Many people notice they have better control during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.

Benefits for genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) includes symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, urinary urgency, and frequent urination. These symptoms occur because of hormonal changes after menopause that affect the tissues in your pelvic area.

Pelvic floor exercises can help with GSM in several ways. They improve blood flow to the vaginal and pelvic tissues, which helps maintain tissue health and elasticity. They may also reduce vaginal and genital discomfort, improve sexual function, and decrease urinary symptoms. People who practice these exercises consistently may experience improved comfort during daily activities and better quality of life.

What to expect

Pelvic floor exercises are safe and have minimal side effects. Some people may initially feel mild discomfort as they learn the exercises, but this typically resolves quickly. The exercises can be done anywhere and at any time, making them a convenient treatment option.

While results vary from person to person, many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms. These exercises can be used alone or combined with other treatments your healthcare professional may recommend, such as vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, or hormone therapy.

Getting the best results

Consistency is key to seeing improvement. Most people notice benefits after 3 to 6 months of regular practice. Programs that last 12 weeks tend to be the most effective.

If you have difficulty identifying or contracting your pelvic floor muscles, consider working with a pelvic floor physical therapist. These specialized healthcare professionals can teach you proper technique and may use tools like biofeedback to help you learn. Supervised programs often lead to better results than exercising on your own.

When to get additional help

If you don't notice improvement after several months of consistent exercise, or if your symptoms worsen, talk with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate whether additional treatments might be helpful or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.