For generations, women have been told that bladder leaks, painful intimacy, pelvic discomfort and the occasional embarrassing sneeze are simply part of life, particularly after childbirth or menopause. But what if these symptoms aren’t something women should accept? What if the missing piece of their wellness routine is a group of muscles they may never have been taught to understand?
Pelvic floor health is having a long-overdue moment, and social media is helping bring the conversation into the mainstream. Physiotherapist Sarah Percy has become one of its most recognizable voices, using accessible, often humorous exercise videos to educate women about the muscles that support their bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. In March 2026, Women’s Health reported that one of her videos had amassed an extraordinary 21.1 million views and 2.1 million likes. The response reflects something much bigger than a viral fitness trend: women are ready to understand their bodies and stop dismissing symptoms that affect their quality of life.
So, what exactly is the pelvic floor? Imagine a supportive hammock of muscles stretching across the base of your pelvis. These muscles help hold the bladder, uterus and bowel in place while coordinating essential functions such as urination, bowel movements and sexual activity. They also work with the deep abdominal muscles and diaphragm to stabilize the body and manage pressure during everyday movements.
Like other muscles, the pelvic floor can become weakened, overly tense or poorly coordinated. Pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, aging, hormonal changes during menopause, surgery and chronic straining can all influence how well it functions.
The signs of dysfunction are not always obvious. Urine leakage when laughing, coughing, sneezing or exercising is one common warning. Other symptoms include frequent or urgent trips to the bathroom, constipation, difficulty emptying the bladder, pelvic heaviness or pressure, painful intercourse and persistent pelvic discomfort. These symptoms deserve attention, not embarrassment. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides guidance on pelvic floor function and symptoms associated with weakened muscles.
One of the biggest misconceptions about pelvic floor health is that every woman simply needs to strengthen these muscles by doing more Kegels. While pelvic floor muscle training can improve bladder control and help certain conditions, strength is only part of the equation.
Some women actually have an overactive or excessively tight pelvic floor. For them, repeatedly squeezing these muscles without learning to relax them can make symptoms worse. A healthy pelvic floor needs both the ability to contract and the ability to fully release. The National Association for Continence offers additional guidance on proper Kegel technique and why these exercises aren’t appropriate for everyone.
This is where a pelvic floor physical therapist can make a meaningful difference. Through an individualized assessment, a specialist can determine whether the muscles need strengthening, relaxation, improved coordination or a combination of approaches. Treatment may include breathing techniques, targeted exercises, posture adjustments, core training and strategies for everyday activities. Clinical recommendations from NICE also emphasize the value of supervised pelvic floor muscle training for appropriate conditions.
Start by paying attention to your body. Notice whether you experience leakage, pressure, discomfort or changes in bladder and bowel habits. Don’t assume these symptoms are inevitable consequences of having children or getting older. Seek an evaluation from your gynecologist or a pelvic floor physical therapist if they persist or interfere with daily life.
And remember, pelvic health isn’t just a postpartum concern. Women of every age can benefit from understanding these muscles, including those who have never been pregnant.
Perhaps the most important lesson behind Percy’s viral success is that women’s health conversations should not begin when something goes wrong. They should begin with education, awareness and the confidence to ask better questions. After all, taking care of your body means paying attention to the parts nobody taught you to talk about.