Menopause, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy During Menopause
Menopause is a natural stage of life that brings hormonal changes which can affect many systems in the body, including the pelvic floor, bladder, vaginal tissues, and sexual health. For some people, these changes may lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, bladder urgency, discomfort with sexual activity, or changes in bladder and bowel control.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a medical term used to describe a group of symptoms that occur due to reduced estrogen levels affecting the tissues of the vulva, vagina, urethra, and bladder. These changes are common but often under-discussed, and many people may not realise that effective treatment and support are available.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can play an important role in helping individuals manage these symptoms and maintain pelvic health during and after menopause.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help individuals:
Improve bladder control
Reduce symptoms of urgency or frequency
Improve comfort during sexual activity
Support pelvic organ support and reduce prolapse symptoms
Improve pelvic floor muscle function
Maintain confidence and quality of life
When appropriate, physiotherapy may also work alongside medical treatments such as topical vaginal estrogen or other therapies recommended by a healthcare provider.
Common pelvic health changes during Menopause
Hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect the strength, elasticity, and sensitivity of pelvic tissues. These changes may contribute to symptoms such as:
Vaginal dryness or irritation
Pain or discomfort with sexual activity
Bladder urgency or increased urinary frequency
Urinary incontinence
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms
Changes in pelvic floor muscle strength or coordination
While these changes are common, they are not something that individuals simply have to accept as part of ageing.
What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause refers to the collection of symptoms affecting the genital and urinary systems due to reduced estrogen levels.
These symptoms may include:
Vaginal dryness, burning, or irritation
Pain during or after sexual activity
Reduced lubrication
Urinary urgency or bladder discomfort
Increased urinary frequency
Recurrent urinary tract infections
These changes occur because estrogen plays an important role in maintaining the health and elasticity of vaginal and urinary tissues.
