How to Talk to Your OB-GYN About Pelvic Health (and Get the Support You Deserve)

You’ve likely asked your OB-GYN about birth control, pap smears, or prenatal vitamins — but when was the last time you talked to them about your pelvic floor?

If you’ve never brought it up, you’re not alone. For many women, pelvic health remains a gray area — something vaguely mentioned during pregnancy or brushed off as “just part of getting older.” And yet, issues like urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, or painful intimacy affect millions of women at every stage of life.

The real problem? Most women don’t know pelvic health is medical, and many OB-GYNs don’t routinely screen for it — unless you speak up.

This article is here to help you change that. Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, perimenopausal, or simply curious, learning how to start the conversation about pelvic health with your provider is a powerful step toward reclaiming comfort, confidence, and control.

First: What Is Pelvic Health, Really?
Pelvic health refers to the function and coordination of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles — known collectively as the pelvic floor — affect everything from bowel and bladder control to core stability and sexual function.

Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:

Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising

Pain during or after intercourse

A feeling of heaviness or “something falling out” (prolapse)

Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels

Pelvic pain or pressure

Discomfort with tampons or during pelvic exams

These issues aren’t just “annoying.” They can significantly impact your quality of life — and they’re often treatable with the right support.

Why OB-GYNs Don’t Always Bring It Up
You might assume your OB-GYN is the go-to expert on all things below the belt — and in many ways, they are. But pelvic floor dysfunction often falls under a specialized area of care (like pelvic physical therapy or urogynecology), which not all OB-GYNs are trained to manage in depth.

Even well-meaning providers may not screen for pelvic issues unless prompted — especially if time is tight during appointments.

That’s why it’s so important to be your own advocate.

How to Prepare for the Conversation
Going into your appointment with clarity and confidence will help ensure your concerns are taken seriously. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Track Your Symptoms
   Keep a short log of what you’re experiencing — and how often. For example:

“Leak a few drops of urine 2–3 times a day, especially when lifting my toddler.”

“Painful sex since giving birth a year ago.”

“Heaviness in pelvis after long walks or standing.”

Having specific examples gives your OB-GYN concrete information to work with and prevents vague brush-offs.

1. Make Pelvic Health a Primary Agenda Item
   Let the front desk or nurse know that your visit is focused on pelvic concerns — not just your annual exam. This helps ensure the provider doesn’t rush through your concerns at the end of the appointment.

You can say something like:

“I’d like to spend some time today discussing ongoing pelvic pain and tightness after childbirth — I think it might be related to my pelvic floor.”

1. Use Clear, Non-Apologetic Language
   It’s common to feel embarrassed or unsure when talking about intimate symptoms. But remember — your OB-GYN is there to help. Using confident, clear language helps set the tone.

Try phrases like:

“I’ve been noticing a lot of discomfort with intercourse and think it could be pelvic floor related.”

“Can we talk about options for treating urinary leakage when I run?”

“I’ve heard pelvic floor therapy can help with postpartum recovery — is that something you recommend?”

The more direct you are, the easier it is for your provider to respond constructively.

Questions to Ask Your OB-GYN
Here are some smart, empowering questions you can ask to keep the conversation going:

“Do you offer pelvic floor screenings as part of postpartum care?”

“Can you refer me to a pelvic floor physical therapist?”

“Are there any tools or exercises I can use at home to support pelvic healing?”

“Is this type of discomfort something I should be concerned about?”

“Are my symptoms common for my stage of life — and what are my options for managing them?”

If your provider isn’t sure how to help or seems dismissive, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or connect with a pelvic health specialist.

Complementing Clinical Care with At-Home Tools
Not all pelvic concerns require surgery or medication. In many cases, gentle, consistent therapy — either in-clinic or at home — can offer meaningful relief.

For example, medically designed at-home solutions like dilators, pelvic trainers, or soft tissue stretchers can help reduce pain, increase flexibility, and restore comfort over time.

Trusted women’s health companies such as Materna Health offer science-backed tools developed in partnership with medical professionals. These devices are particularly valuable for:

Women recovering from childbirth

Those dealing with painful sex (dyspareunia)

Anyone with tension or scarring in the vaginal canal

Individuals preparing for pelvic exams or procedures

Having these resources at home empowers women to take charge of their healing between appointments — and often complements professional care beautifully.

What to Do If You Feel Brushed Off
Unfortunately, not every OB-GYN is equally informed or supportive when it comes to pelvic health. If your concerns are minimized, dismissed, or met with vague suggestions like “do some Kegels,” you’re not overreacting — you’re being underserved.

Here’s what you can do:

Politely ask for a referral to a pelvic floor specialist

Bring in articles or guidelines from reputable sources to advocate for further care

Explore self-guided options from reputable brands like Materna Health to begin addressing your symptoms at home

Look for OB-GYNs or midwives who specialize in female pelvic medicine or urogynecology

Above all, trust your gut. If something feels wrong — physically or emotionally — keep seeking answers until you’re heard.

Final Thoughts: Your Pelvic Health Deserves Attention
Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t rare, shameful, or untreatable — and it’s not something you should have to quietly endure. It’s a medical issue, and it’s time we treated it like one.

By learning how to talk to your OB-GYN about pelvic health, you take the first step toward restoring comfort, improving function, and advocating for the care you deserve.

Resources like Materna Health are helping women bridge the gap — providing accessible tools, science-backed solutions, and the knowledge that your pelvic health journey matters.

So the next time you see your provider, don’t shy away from the conversation. Bring it forward. Because you — and your body — are worth it.