Risk Factors for Pelvic Floor Weakness Across a Woman’s Life
Pelvic floor weakness can happen at different stages in a woman’s life. Some risk factors can be changed (like lifestyle habits), while others cannot. Understanding these helps you know how to protect your pelvic floor health.
Modifiable Risk Factors (things you can change)
- Higher body weight – Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor.
- Smoking – Can weaken muscles and increase coughing, which adds strain.
- Not enough exercise – Being inactive can weaken the pelvic floor muscles over time.
- Constipation – Straining on the toilet can weaken the muscles.
- Diabetes – Can affect nerves and muscles, including the pelvic floor.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (things you cannot change)
- Age – Risk increases as you get older.
- Family history – If close relatives have bladder or bowel problems, your risk may be higher. [
- Certain cancers and treatments – For example, cancers affecting the female reproductive system (like womb or ovary cancer).
- Gynaecological surgery – Operations such as a hysterectomy (removal of the womb) may weaken the pelvic floor.
- Fibromyalgia – A long-term condition that causes pain and tiredness.
- Chronic cough from lung problems – A constant cough can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor.
Related to Pregnancy
- Being over 30 years old when having a baby.
- Having given birth before the current pregnancy.
Related to Labour (Childbirth)
- Assisted vaginal birth – using forceps or vacuum.
- Baby lying face up during birth (occipito-posterior position).
- Long pushing stage – when the second stage of labour lasts more than 1 hour.
- Injury to the anal sphincter muscle – this is the muscle that helps control bowel movements.
This content is based on guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It has been summarised and rephrased for informational purposes only. For the full, official guidelines, please visit the NICE website at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng210/chapter/recommendations#risk-factors-for-pelvic-floor-dysfunction
Note: Certain terminology has been adapted to ensure age appropriateness.