Being a mother is not only about caring for children, but also about passing on knowledge that empowers the next generation. But mothers and daughters rarely discuss one important aspect of women’s health: pelvic floor health.
A recent study by intimate health brand Intimina* reveals just how much pelvic floor dysfunction impacts women’s lives. Almost half (48.82%) said it limited their ability to participate in physical activities such as exercising, lifting, and running. One in four (29.5%) report having trouble sleeping at least once a week, more than a third (46%) have avoided social events due to discomfort or incontinence, and 39% have avoided travel for the same reason.
Commenting on these findings, Intimina medical expert and gynecologist Dr Susannah Unsworth said: “It’s very disappointing to read the statistics found in this recent study, which show that a significant number of women suffer from pelvic floor symptoms, and that these symptoms have a huge negative impact on their quality of life. We know that there are not only social impacts, but also impacts on important daily activities such as exercise, and even sleep, which can have a very negative long-term impact on health.”
Despite its influence, awareness remains low. overwhelming 75% of women believe there needs to be more public education about pelvic floor dysfunction and its long-term effects.
break the cycle of silence
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect every stage of a woman’s life, from menstruation to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause. However, because previous generations lacked education on this issue, many women never learned how to care for these important muscles or even noticed symptoms of dysfunction.
“Too many women suffer from pelvic floor issues simply because they haven’t been taught how to care for these important muscles,” says Dunja Koković, Intimina’s global brand manager. “We need to make sure women have access to the right information so they don’t suffer in silence when there are solutions. By educating young women early, we can prevent problems before they arise and empower them to take control of their health with confidence.”
Dr. Unsworth emphasizes the importance of early education, saying, “I believe women should be taught about pelvic floor health from a young age. Schools generally instill in young people the importance of exercise, and properly exercising the pelvic floor should really be considered as part of that. In my opinion, this should be part of the school curriculum alongside regular education on menstrual health.”
The good news is that pelvic floor problems are preventable and treatable. By educating young women early, mothers can help their daughters develop healthy habits that support lifelong pelvic health, confidence, and well-being.
How mothers can help their daughters increase pelvic floor awareness
- normalize the conversation – Just like discussions about menstruation, sex, and contraception, pelvic floor health should be a regular part of health education. Talking openly about issues like incontinence, menstrual pain, and postpartum recovery helps break down the stigma.
- Teach good habits from an early age – Prevention starts early. Teaching your daughters good posture, avoiding excessive straining during defecation, and maintaining good bladder habits can help prevent future dysfunction.
- Promotes movement and strength – Like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor muscles also benefit from exercise. Whether it’s through activities like yoga or Pilates or learning how to do Kegel exercises correctly, strengthening and relaxing these muscles is key to long-term health.
- prioritize sleep – Many women with pelvic floor problems also suffer from sleep problems. By encouraging good sleep hygiene and helping your daughters understand the relationship between their bodies and the quality of their sleep, they will reap lifelong health benefits.
Creating a future where pelvic health is no longer a mystery
Dr. Unsworth highlights another important aspect of change: “Good health habits are often formed at home. It would be nice to see more work done to help teach new mothers about pelvic floor health. Now is the perfect time to start this kind of education after giving birth. It would be great to offer all new mothers a session with a physiotherapist to teach them how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly, so they might be able to share their knowledge with their children in the future.”
However, she adds, “It’s never too late to start doing pelvic floor muscle exercises. Many women see an improvement in their symptoms once they start. Getting advice from a physical therapist is a great starting point to make sure you’re doing it correctly.”
“Pelvic floor health is not just a personal issue, it’s a generational issue,” says Dunja Kokotovic, global brand manager at Intimina. “Too many women grow up believing that problems like incontinence and pelvic pain are just a part of life, when in fact they are preventable and treatable. If we start educating young women early, we can break the cycle of silence and ensure future generations can confidently manage their health.”
This Mother’s Day, Intimina encourages women to take charge of their own pelvic health and use that knowledge to empower the next generation. By breaking down stigma, raising awareness, and making pelvic floor care a normal conversation, mothers can help their daughters grow up to be confident, informed, and in control of their own health.
*The Intimina survey was conducted by Census Wide in March 2025 among 4,001 women aged 35-55 in the UK, France, Spain and Italy.
