You are at greatest risk of pelvic floor problems if you are in one or more of the following groups:

• Pregnant or postnatal women.
• Women who have ever had a baby.
• Menopausal and post menopausal women.
• Women who have had gynecological surgery (e.g. hysterectomy).
• Men who have had surgery for prostate cancer.
• Elite athletes (e.g. runners, gymnasts).

Your risk is increased if you tick one or more of the following:

• You regularly lift heavy weights (e.g. at the gym or as part of your job).
• You strain often to empty your bowels (constipation).
• You have a chronic cough or sneeze.
• You are overweight or have a Body Mass Index greater than 25.
• You have had trauma to the pelvis area (e.g. a fall, pelvic radiotherapy).
• You have a history of back pain.

If you are in one of these at-risk groups or if you have symptoms of pelvic floor problems, it is important your exercise program is pelvic floor sage.  Protecting your pelvic floor now will save you problems in the future.