Do you need a referral for pelvic floor exercises?

Pelvic floor exercises train muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs. They can involve both tightening and relaxing, so repeatedly squeezing without learning to release may not suit everyone. A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess strength, coordination, breathing, posture, pain, and bladder or bowel symptoms. They can suggest a programme for situations such as leakage after childbirth, pelvic pressure, or difficulty controlling wind, while checking whether another condition needs attention.

If symptoms are mild and you understand the exercise, you may begin gently, but stop if it causes pain or worsening pressure. Ask your doctor or physiotherapist for a referral when symptoms persist, follow childbirth or pelvic surgery, or when you are unsure which muscles to use. Keep a note of leakage, urgency, bowel symptoms, pain, and activities that trigger them. A referral is especially useful when exercises have not helped or make symptoms worse.

Arrange prompt medical review for new blood in the urine or stool, unexplained vaginal bleeding, a new pelvic lump, severe pelvic pain, fever, or inability to pass urine. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or loss of bladder or bowel control with leg weakness. These signs are not a reason to intensify exercises at home.

Ask which muscles you should feel working, how often to practise, and how to relax fully between contractions. Discuss whether your symptoms suggest weakness, overactivity, or a different problem, and how progress will be reviewed.