Female Pelvic Health As You Age: What’s Normal And What’s Not?
Blog Events Health News 18th September 2026 Enquiries & appointments
When we talk about healthy aging, one vital foundation that rarely gets talked about is our pelvic health. Many women believe that symptoms such as bladder leaks, having to rush to the toilet or pain in the pelvic area are unavoidable parts of growing older. While our bodies undergo natural hormonal and structural shifts as we age, living with dysfunction is not something you just have to accept.
What Is Female Pelvic Health?
Female pelvic health focuses on the function and well-being of the bladder, bowel, reproductive organs and the supportive group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue at the base of the pelvis known as the pelvic floor.
What Pelvic Health Changes Are Normal With Age?
As we get older there are expected changes that happen to our pelvic health including:
- Pelvic floor muscles lose some of their muscle mass and strength.
- Connective tissues become less elastic: collagen and other supporting tissues change with age, so the tissues supporting the bladder, uterus and rectum may become less firm.
- Lower oestrogen levels change vaginal and vulval tissues. After menopause, these tissues tend to become drier, thinner and less elastic which can lead to vaginal irritation, dryness or discomfort as well as changes in sexual sensation or comfort.
- Bladder function changes: bladder capacity can gradually reduce with age, meaning you may feel the need to go to the bathroom more frequently.
These changes are expected, but there are things we can do to help manage them and the bothersome symptoms they can lead to.
Common Pelvic Health Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t feel like you have to navigate them alone. Women’s health physiotherapy can often make a big difference.
- Leaking urine
- Urinary frequency (going to the toilet too often)
- Urinary urgency (a strong need to pass urine that is difficult to defer)
- Symptoms of vaginal prolapse including a feeling of heaviness, pressure or a bulge in the vagina or a dragging sensation in the lower abdomen
- Bowel issues such as difficulty emptying your bowels, bowel urgency and difficulty controlling wind or bowel movements
- Pelvic pain – this includes pain anywhere in the pelvis such as pain with intercourse, vulvodynia, vaginismus, bladder pain syndrome and coccyx (tail bone) pain.
A pelvic health physiotherapist will be able to conduct a comprehensive, holistic assessment to understand how your pelvic floor and whole body are functioning. We can then work with you to offer treatment and advice that is tailored to helping you improve those issues that bother you.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist?
There are some pelvic health symptoms that are better managed by a gynaecologist or another medical practitioner. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek a medical assessment:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- A persistent change in bowel habits, such as new constipation or diarrhoea that does not settle, or blood in the stool / rectal bleeding
- Recurrent or persistent urinary symptoms, such as blood in the urine or suspected UTI
- Difficulty passing urine or inability to empty the bladder
- Difficulty emptying your bowels
- New or persistent pelvic pain
- Advice on medication and HRT
Menopause and the years beyond can be some of the most fulfilling and empowering years of your life. While changes to your pelvic health can occur as you age, this doesn’t mean you have to put up with uncomfortable or disruptive symptoms. There is often a lot that can be done to improve your symptoms and quality of life. If something doesn’t feel right, or your pelvic health is stopping you from doing the things you enjoy, we’re here to help.
Article produced by
KIMS Hospital