Is It Normal?
Just for fun one afternoon I decided to see what Google would auto-suggest when I type “is it normal” in my Google search field. These auto-suggests are populated by most commonly searched phrases. In the top 10, there are 8 topics suggested that directly relate to the pelvic floor and reproductive functions of men and women. Do you know what this means? It means that many people are turning to the internet to ask questions they are afraid of asking their medical providers.
“Is it normal to bleed after sex?”
“Is it normal to have discharge everyday?”
“Is it normal to pee every hour?”
“Is it normal to bleed during sex?”
“Is it normal for a guy to release quickly?”
The goal of my blog today is not to answer all of the questions that are asked on the internet. My goal is to help NORMALIZE asking “is it normal?” in conversation with your medical providers. It is NOT normal to feel shame or embarrassment about talking openly and honestly with professionals about a symptom you are experiencing.
I often tell my patients that no topic is off limits in pelvic floor physical therapy, or “there is no such thing as TMI in pelvic floor physical therapy.” [TMI = too much information] When a patient has their initial evaluation for pelvic floor physical therapy I generally explain the importance of gathering information about all of the functions that occur in the pelvic floor muscles, and ask permission to ask intimate or personal questions. Obviously, the patient has control over what information they are comfortable sharing or not sharing. However, I find it is also helpful for patients to understand that the communication lines are open and available for all of the functions that occur within the pelvic floor. For women, I explain that we have three holes in a very small area and they all have very different functions that can be impacted by pelvic floor dysfunction. I ask questions about urinary function, bowel function, and sexual function at a minimum.
Is it normal to talk about pee, poop, and sex? Well, yes, I think it should be when we are talking about normal pelvic floor functions! It is important for providers to help normalize these conversations, so that patients don’t feel like they need to ask the internet rather than having the conversation with a trusted medical professional. Will your medical professional always know the answer immediately, maybe not, but they should always help you feel validated in your concerns and help find the answers to your symptoms or concerns!
Reach out to us at Shift Physical Therapy if you are experiencing any symptoms related to your pelvic floor, and don’t be afraid to ask us “is it normal?” questions!
Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
