Here is a simple checklist to use to help screen your pelvic health and help identify where you may need help. Check all that apply.
Bowel / Bladder
- Do you find it difficult to get to the bathroom in time?
- Do you lose urine when laughing, sneezing, coughing, exercising, etc.?
- Do you awaken two or more times a night to go to the bathroom?
- Do you notice dribbling or “2nd urination” after you are finished urinating?
- Do you have triggers such as running water, hand washing, unlocking the door, and taking a shower, resulting in a strong urge to rush to the bathroom?
- Do you have difficulty initiating urination or bowel movements? Or difficulty maintaining a steady stream?
- Do you lose stool or gas with activity or throughout the day?
- Do you have chronic constipation? Or recurring diarrhea/constipation cycles?
Women
- Do you feel a fullness or heaviness after walking or being on your feet all day?
- Do you have vaginal dryness or burning?
- Have you ever noticed vaginal “flatulence”?
- Do you have difficulty keeping a tampon or cup in?
- Do you have pain with intercourse, tampon use, or OB/GYN visits?
- Do you experience strong cramping or pain during your menstrual cycle or ovulation?
- Do you experience period-like cramps during exercise? Or have spotting after exercise?
General Pelvic Health
- Do you have unresolved lower back pain or tightness?
- Do you have deep hip or groin pain that doesn’t resolve with specific measures?
- Do you have pain or numbness in your pelvic region?
- Do you have popping or clicking in your hips with specific exercises or movements?
- Do you find it difficult to sit directly on your tailbone?
- Do you have pain or numbness when cycling?
Men
- Do you have pain or numbness in your pelvic region?
- Do you have erectile dysfunction?
- Do you have pain with arousal?
- Do you have unresolved lower back or hip pain or difficulty with prolonged sitting?
- If you have had a prostatectomy, do you have lingering pain or urinary issues?
Pregnancy / Postpartum
- Do you have pain or “clicking” in your SI joints, back, hips, pubic bone, or tailbone?
- Do you have pain rolling over in bed, getting in/out of a car or chair, or putting on pants?
- Do you have a ridge, gap, or doming in your abdominals when sitting up?
- Do you have C-section or episiotomy scar pain or residual numbness?
- Do you have difficulty lifting your child or exercising due to back or pelvic pain?
- Are you having a difficult time improving lower belly strength?
- Is it difficult to lie flat on your back without lower back pain?
Scoring for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
1–3 Mild
4–8 Moderate
9+ Significant
Your pelvic health impacts not only your activity and performance levels but also the mental load and sense of well-being you have for yourself and your body. If you selected any of the above, you could benefit from seeing a MOJO Pelvic Health Physical Therapist.
To learn more about pelvic health, visit MOJOph.com or @mojopelvichealth on Instagram and Facebook.
Amy Moses is the co-founder and co-owner of MOJO Pelvic Health headquartered in Memphis.
By Amy Moses, PT, DPT, OMT, PRPC, PCES