5 Shocking Pelvic Floor Mistakes That Could Be Sabotaging Your Fertility
Posted on 22 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 4 min
Did you know that your pelvic floor muscles play a pivotal role not just in bladder and bowel control, but also in fertility? It’s a connection that many overlook, yet specialists like physical therapist Sara Reardon emphasize its importance in reproductive health. In fact, a recent NPR article titled 'Say no to power peeing' and other good tips from a pelvic floor physical therapist revealed common pelvic floor mistakes that might be quietly sabotaging your fertility efforts.
If you’ve been struggling to conceive or are considering at-home insemination techniques, understanding and caring for your pelvic floor could dramatically change the game. So, what are these shocking pelvic floor mistakes that could be holding you back?
1. Power Peeing: When Strength Does More Harm Than Good
You might think that rushing to fully empty your bladder – “power peeing” – is a good habit. But as Sara Reardon explains, this forceful technique strains your pelvic floor rather than relaxing it. Over time, this can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects reproductive organs and could interfere with conception.
2. Ignoring Pelvic Floor Strengthening Exercises
While kegels have been around forever, many don’t practice them correctly or consistently. The pelvic floor supports critical organs like the uterus and bladder; if weakened, it can impact implantation and pregnancy sustainability. Strengthening these muscles isn't just about preventing leaks—it’s about creating a supportive environment for conception and pregnancy.
3. Not “Squeezing Before You Sneeze”
Sara Reardon shares an easy mantra: “squeeze before you sneeze.” This preemptive action trains your pelvic floor to brace against sudden pressure spikes. Neglecting this can contribute to weakening muscles and potential prolapse, which may complicate fertility or pregnancy.
4. Misinterpreting Pelvic Pain or Discomfort
Many women dismiss pelvic discomfort as normal or unrelated, but persistent pain can signal pelvic floor imbalance or tension. These dysfunctions don’t just cause discomfort—they disrupt circulation and nerve function, both crucial for reproductive health.
5. Overlooking the Role of Pelvic Floor in At-Home Insemination Success
For individuals and couples using at-home insemination methods, the pelvic floor’s condition directly impacts the procedure’s effectiveness. Tight or dysfunctional muscles may hinder sperm placement or cause discomfort that disrupts the process.
So what does this mean for your fertility journey? Proactively managing your pelvic floor health is no longer optional if you want to optimize your chances of conceiving, whether naturally or with assisted techniques.
How Can You Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Effectively?
- Learn proper exercises: Not all kegels are created equal. Consider consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist or following expert-guided tutorials.
- Practice mindful breathing: Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps relax tension that builds up in the pelvic region.
- Use reminders like “squeeze before you sneeze” to train your muscles for everyday protection.
- Avoid harmful habits: Stop power peeing and focus on gentle, relaxed bathroom habits.
- Address pain early: Don’t ignore pelvic discomfort; seek professional help to diagnose and manage pelvic floor dysfunction.
Bridging Pelvic Floor Health with At-Home Fertility Solutions
With the rise of at-home insemination kits, such as those offered by MakeAMom, empowering yourself with pelvic floor wellness amplifies your efforts. MakeAMom’s products, like their reusable BabyMaker kit designed for users with sensitivities, or the CryoBaby for frozen sperm, align with a holistic approach that includes physical readiness.
Why? Because a strong, well-functioning pelvic floor supports optimal sperm delivery and uterine receptivity, making home procedures more comfortable and potentially more successful. In fact, MakeAMom reports an average success rate of 67% among users, which highlights how combining physical health strategies with effective tools can create a winning formula.
Bringing It All Together: A Data-Driven Fertility Win
Data from pelvic floor therapy research correlates improved muscle function with better reproductive outcomes. The NPR piece underscores how simple behavioral changes and awareness can yield measurable differences in pelvic health—and by extension, fertility.
So, if you’ve been feeling stuck or frustrated on your path to parenthood, maybe it’s time to reassess how you treat your pelvic floor. Are you inadvertently power peeing your chances away? Are you squeezing at the right moments?
Your body’s subtle signals might be the missing piece of the fertility puzzle. Strengthen your foundation, explore reassuring and effective home insemination options, and open the door to possibility.
Now, we want to hear from you: Have you tried pelvic floor exercises or consulted a pelvic floor therapist during your fertility journey? Did you notice a difference in comfort or success rates? Drop your stories and questions in the comments below, and let’s support each other through this fascinating intersection of science and self-care.
Remember, mastering your pelvic floor isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s a scientifically backed step toward making your dream of parenthood more achievable.