Different ways Pelvic Health Osteopaths can Assess Your Pelvic Floor
During pregnancy, your pelvic floor can be assessed through a few different methods. An internal pelvic floor assessment is most commonly used, but this is your choice. We use a variety of methods, depending on your preferences and circumstances. Read more about them below.
Internal pelvic floor examination:
An internal pelvic floor assessment is the the gold standard assessment. It gives us the most information about is happening with the pelvic floor and can be used to evaluate:
Pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, and coordination
Relaxation capacity and Movement quality
Response to coughing, bearing down, or pushing
Pelvic organ support
Measuring your perineal body - This measurement gives us important information, as a short perineal body is one of the risk factors for a significant tear. This measurement is not compulsory.
An internal pelvic floor examination is your choice:
The decision to have an internal assessment rests entirely with you, and we welcome any questions or concerns you might have. This assessment proceeds only with your consent and it is fine to change your mind, as there are always other options (see below). We hope you'll feel at ease with our care, knowing that open communication about your comfort level is always encouraged.
What are my options if I don’t want an internal assessment?
If you don’t want an internal pelvic health assessment, or you have a medical issue that means you can’t have an internal, there are other options available.
Visual examination of the pelvic floor:
Provides basic information about contraction, relaxation, and responses to coughing or pushing. This option does require you to remove your underwear.
External examination of the pelvic floor:
We can palpate your superficial pelvic floor muscles externally. This provides basic information about contraction, relaxation, and responses to coughing or pushing. This option can be done fully clothed.
Education only:
Sometimes you may want to discuss your pelvic floor and how to look after it without having a pelvic floor examination. While it is harder to personalise our advice to your individual situation, we can teach you breathing techniques and whole body approaches to looking after your pelvic floor.