Childbirth can wreak havoc on a woman’s body—just ask any new mom. But many women worry about that post-baby belly because they don’t like how they look. In reality, that bulge might be signaling a bigger issue—diastasis recti—a condition that requires help from a pelvic floor physical therapist.
We make healthy lifestyle choices regarding diet and exercise, we don’t smoke, we practice safe sex, and we get a PAP smear as recommended. We should be pretty safe from getting a gynecologic cancer, right?
Nearly 30 percent of women will suffer from conditions caused by deterioration of muscles, connective tissues, bone structures and ligaments in the pelvis at some point in their lifetime. Together, these are collectively known as the “pelvic floor,” and are critical to supporting organs such as the uterus and bladder. Yet as common as pelvic floor disorders are, many women do not seek treatment, suffering from needless discomfort and embarrassment.
You may have heard that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year (April) approved the sale of genetic tests directly to consumers for determining their disease-risk.