Winter and Pelvic Health: Study Highlights Key Challenges of Pelvic Floor Issues

 According to a study conducted by INTIMINA, a brand dedicated to promoting education and combating taboos related to pelvic health, winter habits and weather conditions can have a significant impact. In collaboration with gynecologist Dr. Susanna Unsworth, INTIMINA aims to demystify this topic and offer guidance on how to protect pelvic floor health during the colder months.

Questionnaire Results

The survey*, carried out among 3,001 women aged between 30 and 55 in the UK, France and Italy, revealed specific challenges associated with the cold season:

● Reduction in physical activity: More than a third of women (39.82%) reduce their physical exercise during winter, compromising the strength of the pelvic floor.

● Reduced motivation to exercise: More than half (53.78%) admit to having more difficulty staying motivated to exercise, which makes it difficult to carry out a pelvic exercise routine.

● Increased urge to urinate: A whopping 69.21% notice an increase in urinary urgency in cold weather, while 36.65% report urinary leakage due to coughing and sneezing.

● Impact of flu and colds: During flu and cold season, 52.02% of women experience pelvic floor discomfort or urinary leakage caused by frequent coughing.

● Impact of flu and colds: During flu and cold season, 52.02% of women experience pelvic floor discomfort or urinary leakage caused by frequent coughing.

The Importance of a Physical Exercise Routine

Dr Susanna Unsworth explains: “The pelvic floor is made up of muscles that, like any other muscle, need regular exercise to stay strong. Reducing physical activity during the winter can weaken these muscles and compromise their function. I recommend doing targeted pelvic floor exercises that can be easily done at home to minimise the effects of seasonal inactivity.”

Practical Solutions to Protect Pelvic Health

The survey also revealed that 34.22% of women pay more attention to their pelvic floor health in winter, due to flu and cold symptoms. In addition, 82.27% showed interest in learning exercises to strengthen this area, and 75.54% are willing to incorporate an exercise routine at home.

Dr. Unsworth stresses that the benefits of pelvic floor exercises are cumulative and not always immediate: “Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated because the results aren’t instantaneous. I recommend using reminders and devices like Intimina’s KegelSmart 2, which guides users through personalized routines. These tools help create a healthy habit that strengthens the muscles over time.”

Dr. Unsworth also suggests several tips for taking care of pelvic health:

● Reduce caffeine and alcohol: “Caffeine is a diuretic and increases urinary frequency, while alcohol can have similar effects. In winter, it may be helpful to reduce your intake of these beverages.”

● Stay hydrated: “Although cold weather reduces the sensation of thirst, dehydration can irritate the bladder. It is essential to drink non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day.”

● Adjust your diet: “Avoiding foods that irritate the bladder, such as very spicy dishes, can help minimize discomfort.”

The specialist also highlights the importance of good toilet habits, such as avoiding urinating “as a precaution”, not straining when evacuating and not interrupting the flow of urine.

The Pelvic Health Taboo

Despite being an important topic, pelvic floor health remains little discussed. INTIMINA seeks to break this taboo with innovative products, such as Laselle vaginal weights and the KegelSmart 2 smart device, which help women at all stages of life.

Both were created to strengthen the pelvic floor and can be adapted to each woman's preferences. In the case of KegelSmart 2, it works like a personal trainer, as it detects the strength level of the pelvic floor muscles and allows you to define an exercise routine with the appropriate rhythm and duration. For those who are already familiar with Kegel exercises, Laselle vaginal weights will help to effectively strengthen the pelvic floor, as they consist of small balls made of medical-grade silicone (hypoallergenic and biocompatible) with an internal core that vibrates with movement.

“There has been a lack of education about pelvic floor health,” says Dr Unsworth. “Many women accept problems like urinary leakage as normal, but these are often signs of treatable issues. It is vital to raise awareness and offer effective solutions.”

The Impact of Stress and Mental Health

The study also revealed a link between winter stress, seasonal depression and pelvic health. About 34.02% of women believe that winter-related stress negatively affects this area of ​​their health.

Dr Unsworth explains: “Stress can cause tension in the pelvic floor muscles, making problems such as urinary leakage worse. On the other hand, urinary incontinence can significantly affect mental health, creating a vicious cycle.”

It also highlights the impact of hormonal changes, particularly in women going through menopause or using hormonal contraception: “The loss of estrogen can weaken the pelvic floor, but the use of topical vaginal estrogen can significantly improve symptoms and increase the benefits of pelvic floor exercises.”

To combat these challenges, Dr. Unsworth recommends a holistic approach:

● Seek professional support: A physiotherapist specialising in women’s health can provide specific guidance for pelvic floor exercises.

● Taking care of your mental health: Techniques such as psychological counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help reduce the stress that aggravates pelvic floor problems.

The study findings reinforce the need to prioritize pelvic floor health, even during winter. Small changes, such as incorporating regular home exercises, can make a big difference in the long run. “The best time to start taking care of your pelvic floor is now,” concludes Dr. Unsworth. “Winter should not be an excuse to neglect your health; instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to create habits that promote lifelong well-being.” INTIMINA continues to be committed to raising awareness and empowering women to prioritize their health, regardless of the season.

*The study was carried out by Censuswide among 3,001 women in the UK, France and Italy in November 2024. Censuswide follows the ESOMAR principles and is a member of The British Polling Council.