How Pelvic Floor Therapy Changed My Life: Ané’s Story

In 2022, I became a mom after years of struggling with endometriosis and PCOS. Doctors told me that falling pregnant would be a challenge. Some said I should try immediately, while others recommended looking into egg freezing.

My gynaecologist and I decided to stop contraception so my hormones could settle before making any decisions. Just three weeks later, to my complete surprise, I was pregnant. Completely unplanned and with my pelvic floor completely unprepared.

At the time, I was active, running and doing a lot of HIIT workouts, but I never realised these exercises were actually weakening my pelvic floor instead of strengthening it.

My pregnancy was complicated, and at 33 weeks I had to undergo an emergency c-section. By then, I had gained 20kg, and recovery was tough. Once I was ready to get active again, I thought running would help me lose the baby weight, until I hit my first downhill. Then I tried circuit training... until I had to jump. Each attempt left me discouraged. The weight stayed, my confidence disappeared, and I felt stuck.

On top of that, intimacy with my husband became painful and unsatisfying. Sometimes I couldn’t feel anything at all. It was emotionally draining and incredibly frustrating.

Eventually, I was referred to a gynaecologist who explained how crucial it is to strengthen the pelvic floor, especially after pregnancy and childbirth. I started researching and tried doing daily Kegels, but like most working moms, I didn’t have the time or consistency for that.

One night, at 2 a.m., I came across a post from a mom blogger recommending Pelvic Care South Africa. I immediately read through their website, booked my first session, and I haven’t looked back since.