Pelvic Health Matters w/ Dr. Katrina Heath, DPT

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and its Effect on Urinary Frequency

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) refers to when the muscles in the pelvic region stop functioning as they should. These muscles are designed to:

1. Support internal organs
   
2. Act as sphincters (open/close the bladder and bowels)
   
3. Relax during sexual activity
   
4. Help with blood and lymph flow
   
5. Provide core stability
   

When these muscles lose function, symptoms can vary. Lack of pelvic muscle support may cause pelvic organ prolapse. If the muscles can’t open or close properly, issues like constipation, urinary retention, or bowel/bladder leakage can occur. When the muscles stay tight, they may become painful. Pelvic floor therapy helps restore normal muscle function and relieve symptoms.

One common concern is urinary frequency, defined as urinating more than 8 times in 24 hours. This isn’t just an “older woman” issue—it can affect anyone including women, men and children.  Before, during and after pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause, hormonal shifts are taking place like increased relaxin hormone and decreased estrogen. Decreased estrogen can result in vaginal atrophy with thin and weak vaginal tissues. The hormone relaxin, which remains present during breastfeeding, loosens ligaments and muscles, reducing pelvic floor control and leading to leakage and frequency.

Tips for Managing Urinary Frequency:

• Track your bathroom trips (goal: 6–8 times/day).
  
• Evaluate your diet—acidic foods and alcohol can irritate the bladder.
  
• If you drink wine regularly in the evenings and wake at night to urinate, try reducing intake.
  
• Stop drinking all liquids two hours before bedtime.
  

These are just starting points to reduce urinary frequency. A pelvic floor therapist can offer personalized guidance and support to help you regain control and feel better.

Katrina Heath, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) LKNConnect’s newest expert contributor. With over 23 years of experience in pelvic health physical therapy, Dr. Heath has served patients across North Carolina, Michigan, and New Jersey. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her time at Atrium Health and Penn Medicine, where she helped launch a pediatric pelvic floor program. We’re excited for her to share expert insight and wellness tips with our Lake Norman community— Mondays on LKNConnect!

Dr. Katrina Heath – Mobile Physical Therapist

Contact Information

Phone: 704-412-2001

Email:  [email protected]