Recognizing Pelvic Instability: Symptoms and Key Indicators

Pelvic instability can manifest through a variety of symptoms around the pelvis. Common issues include pain in the lower back, groin, buttocks, lower abdomen, and belly, as well as incontinence, sexual dysfunction, prolapses, and other physical discomforts related to the pelvic girdle. Any discomfort or problem in this area is classified as a pelvic issue.

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain refers to discomfort directly in the pelvic region, which can include the pelvic rim, hips, or pubic bone. Pelvic instability is often noticeable through pain that intensifies during specific activities, such as walking up stairs. This type of persistent, nagging pain is a key indicator of pelvic instability.

 

Pelvic Instability and Pregnancy

Pelvic instability is commonly associated with pregnancy—whether during, before, or after the pregnancy. This condition can worsen as your body changes and adapts. In the next sections, I’ll guide you through some key signs to help you identify pelvic issues.

 

If you’re seeking more tips, advice, or in-depth information after reading this article, explore the website for further resources. We offer a range of detailed information, tips, a webshop, and even exercises to support your pelvic health.

If you’re still looking for more tips, advices or in-depth information after this article, feel free to take a look through the website. I still have enough other things! It’s filled with in-depth information, tips a webshop and also exercises too. 

 

How to Recognize Pelvic Instability?

Pelvic instability is characterized by persistent discomfort around the pelvis. During pregnancy, most pelvic issues become more pronounced during activities and often improve with rest. Common experiences include pain upon waking in the morning or sudden stabbing pains throughout the day. However, these intermittent pains aren’t typically classified as pelvic instability.

Pelvic instability refers to persistent pelvic pain or discomfort that severely impacts your daily activities. If you experience consistent issues that affect your quality of life, it’s time to consider the possibility of pelvic instability.

Common Areas Affected by Pelvic Instability:

• Groin
• Lower back
• Abdomen
• Lower belly
• Pubic bone
• Hips
• Tailbone
• Buttocks

In some cases, individuals may also experience prolapse or sexual health issues. For more in-depth information on these symptoms, check out my other articles.

 

Pelvic Instability in Men

While pelvic instability is most commonly associated with pregnancy, men can also experience pelvic instability or pelvic pain. Though rare, men may develop pelvic instability following certain events, such as surgery or an accident that affects the pelvic area. This can cause the pelvic girdle to temporarily become unstable due to damage to surrounding ligaments and muscles.

However, the likelihood of men experiencing pelvic instability is relatively low. Men may be more prone to other types of pelvic issues, including:

• Incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fecal incontinence
• Prolapse

Pelvic pain, particularly around the groin, lower belly, lower back, or pubic bone, is also a common complaint among men.

What to Do About Pelvic Instability

If you’re experiencing pain in your hips, groin, back, belly, or pelvis, there’s a chance you may be dealing with pelvic instability. But what should you do next? Should you visit a doctor first, or go directly to a pelvic therapist? And if you choose a therapist, should you see a specialized pelvic physical therapist, an ergonomic therapist, or a pelvic exercise therapist?

Pelvic Instability During Pregnancy

If you experience prolonged pelvic pain while pregnant, it’s likely due to pelvic instability. This persistent pain often worsens during daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, sitting, standing up, bending over, and lifting. If pelvic pain continues despite rest, it’s time to consult a specialist. A pelvic physical therapist or pelvic exercise therapist can help you manage and treat this condition.

Pelvic Instability in Women and Men

For women, pelvic instability may resolve on its own after pregnancy. However, if pelvic issues persist after childbirth or if you experience ongoing pelvic pain without pregnancy, it’s crucial to seek medical help. Men can also develop pelvic issues due to accidents or surgery, although pelvic instability is more common in women.

Regardless of the cause, it’s always recommended to visit a doctor first to discuss your pelvic instability. If you’re unsure about the right therapist, I can help guide you toward the right choice. It’s important to seek care from a specialist in pelvic issues, as general physical or exercise therapists might not be equipped to handle these concerns. Pelvic physical therapists and pelvic exercise therapists are trained professionals in treating pelvic instability.

What to Expect from a Pelvic Therapist

A specialized pelvic therapist will perform a thorough examination to assess the specific pelvic issues you’re dealing with. These therapists have undergone additional training to help you manage pelvic instability effectively. They can offer personalized advice, such as tips for improving daily activities, managing stress on your pelvic floor, and even enhancing muscle strength.

I’ve also compiled some tips on the website that can be helpful. These include advice on toilet habits, daily life activities, sports, sexuality, and muscle strengthening. However, if you don’t feel enough relief from these tips, consulting a specialist is always advisable. In some cases, a pelvic brace may also be recommended to offer support and enhance stability around your pelvis.

Finding the Right Therapist

Look online for pelvic therapists in your area—there are plenty of options, and you might find one close by. You don’t always need a referral to visit a pelvic physical therapist or pelvic exercise therapist, but it’s still a good idea to first consult with your doctor.

What YOU Can Do for Pelvic Pain and Instability

You can take several steps on your own to manage pelvic instability. Understanding the root cause is key—do you have pelvic instability, overactive pelvic floor muscles, or weakened pelvic floor muscles? Knowing the cause will guide your approach to treatment.

Recovery Time for Pelvic Instability

In most cases, pelvic instability improves on its own over time. Men who develop pelvic instability after surgery or an accident typically recover in about three months. For women, pelvic instability caused by pregnancy may take anywhere from 3 to 5 months to improve. However, if pelvic pain or instability persists for over six months after giving birth, it could indicate chronic pelvic pain syndrome. [Learn more about chronic pelvic pain syndrome here.]

Although recovery can take time, you can speed up the process by supporting your body during this period. Proper recovery strategies can help you heal faster than expected.

Pelvic instability often resolves naturally after pregnancy, but it’s important to make the recovery process as smooth as possible. If pelvic pain persists, be sure to rest regularly during the day. Plan for breaks and rest after walking or other activities. It’s also important to stay active—maintaining muscle strength is essential to avoid developing other issues like incontinence.

For those with an office job, make sure to get up regularly and walk around. Avoid staying in one position too long, whether sitting or standing, as this increases pressure on your pelvic girdle. Try to minimize heavy lifting and avoid climbing stairs as it puts additional strain on your body.

What to Do for Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles

If you’re experiencing tension in your pelvic floor muscles (overactive pelvic floor), it could result in issues like constipation, urge incontinence, erection issues, vaginismus, or vulvitis. Both men and women can have an overactive pelvic floor, which can be quite uncomfortable.

The key treatment here is relaxation. Learn to relax your pelvic floor muscles to alleviate tension. I’ve created a series of exercises and tips specifically designed to help you relax your pelvic muscles. Practicing these exercises will significantly improve your symptoms.

 

What to Do for Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles

If your pelvic floor muscles are weakened, you may face issues such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, or prolapses. The solution here is strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening exercises are typically easier than relaxation exercises. I’ve compiled various exercises to help you improve muscle strength and make your daily life easier. But always consult a professional and don’t hesitate to visit your doctor.

Tips for Your Visit to a Pelvic Specialist

It’s possible that you will need to see a gynecologist, urologist, psychologist, or sexologist for pelvic-related issues. Here’s how to make your visit more effective:

• Document your symptoms: Write down when your symptoms occur, their intensity, and how long you’ve been experiencing them. Having this information ready will help the specialist understand your situation better.
• Keep a diary: If you have issues like incontinence or constipation, consider keeping a urinary or fecal diary. Track how often you go to the bathroom and the amount of leakage. This information will be helpful for your specialist.
• Prepare questions: Write down any questions you might have about your condition, treatment options, and recovery. This will ensure you don’t forget anything during your visit.