Ep.180 Beyond Kegels: Functional Pelvic Floor Care for Leaks, Prolapse & Painful Sex

Urinary (and yes, bowel) leakage isn’t “just part of getting older”—it’s a signal from your core and pelvic floor. In this straight-talk episode, physical therapist Christina Walsh, co-founder of Tighten Your Tinkler, joins me to dismantle the shame around pelvic health and lay out a functional path forward that goes far beyond “just do more Kegels.” We cover what’s really driving leaks, pressure, prolapse, urgency, and painful sex in midlife; how breath, posture, fascia, and daily toileting habits influence symptoms; when conservative care is enough—and when devices, pessaries, or surgery may be appropriate. Christina also shares practical first steps you can start today (hello, decompression and diaphragmatic breathing), plus how to talk with your partner without pushing through pain.What you’ll learnWhy leaking is common—but not normal—and what it’s trying to tell youThe limits of isolated Kegels and what a functional approach looks likeHow breathing, posture, sitting, and constipation ramp up pelvic pressureStaging prolapse (1–4), what’s realistic to “functionally heal,” and red-flagsPainful sex in midlife: estrogen, lubrication, tone, and boundaries that helpFascia’s surprising role (yes, your bladder “talks” to your neck)Links & resourceshttps://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/  (listener code Michele for $50 off)https://www.instagram.com/tighten.your.tinkler/ Tighten Your Tinkler free quiz https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tinklerquizIf this helped, share it with a friend, rate the show, and hop on my weekly newsletter for midlife health, fitness, and no-BS motivation._________________________________________If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fqLike to connect? Email me at [email protected] Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.