This article was written by Kerstin Recker, a co-founder at Peli Health - a platform that aims to transform the conversation around pelvic care through empowerment, accessibility and education.

'We started as two women, different countries, different ages, sharing our experiences of c-sections, postpartum complications, and signs of perimenopause. From battling with extreme pelvic pain and complications, to feeling unprepared for the changes in a woman’s health as we age. It came down to the lack of easily accessible information and knowing where to go for the right support. Our journeys shouldn’t have been so hard. After experiencing life changing issues in the pelvic region, and our mental health and relationships also affected – we knew we had to be part of a lasting change'

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Hello, fellow moms and pelvic health warriors!

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to talk about certain aspects of women’s health, especially when it feels like these topics have been taboo for so long. But I believe it's time to shatter the silence and open up about our experiences—because that's how we create a supportive community and find real solutions.

My Postpartum Journey: From Pain to Perseverance

My story starts with a diagnosis of endometriosis at 17 after laparoscopic surgery, leading to years of excruciating menstrual pain. Despite the pain, I was fortunate to have supportive parents who helped me seek medical advice. 

Fast forward to the birth of my son, which was an emergency c-section, and soon after, I began experiencing pelvic pain. Initially, I thought it was just part of the postpartum process, but it quickly turned into persistent pain, spasms, and discomfort. Forget sex - the pain was beyond. 

When I spoke to my OB-GYN, they assured me that the pain would eventually subside and that it was normal. But it didn’t go away. In fact, it worsened over the next few months, affecting my physical and mental well-being. I refused to accept this as my new normal.

Finding Relief and Understanding Pelvic Floor Disorders

My journey to find relief was long and winding, but it taught me invaluable lessons about my body and the importance of persistence. As I delved deeper, I discovered that pelvic floor disorders are quite common among women—affecting one in three women, with one in seven experiencing pelvic pain. 

These disorders can range from misalignment of the pelvis to snapping hip syndrome and more, often complicated by underlying conditions like endometriosis, pregnancy-related changes, or even past trauma. 

After months of searching, I found a wonderful pelvic floor therapist. For three months, three times a week, I attended pelvic PT sessions and did at-home exercises to learn how to relax my hypertonic pelvic floor. 

The physical therapy was crucial, but so was the mental grit required to keep pushing for answers and relief. I consider myself one of the lucky ones; many women go undiagnosed for up to 10 years.

Sharing My Story and Creating Peli Health

At the time, I wondered why more women weren’t talking about these issues and why it was so hard to find help. As I started sharing my pelvic health challenges, other women began opening up about their own experiences. 

This sharing was a turning point for me. It made me realize the importance of community and the need for better pelvic care solutions. This was six years ago. And as we are starting to see more about pelvic health, the reality is that it is still very stigmatized, and women aren’t educated on it. 

Or it’s only talked about as the postpartum journey, and then it is totally forgotten until you have symptoms later in life. All those years in between where you could be building up a stronger floor for long-term health are simply left out. Why? 

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That’s why we founded Peli Health. We're dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding pelvic floor dysfunction—whether it’s incontinence, painful sex, chronic pelvic pain, or other issues—by providing access, care, and support for women at every stage of their journey. 

We also firmly believe that pelvic health education should be readily accessible to the next generations. In doing so, women can live healthier, happier lives over the long term. With a focus on prevention, Peli Health provides access to Medically Reviewed pelvic health education with the goal of helping to reduce the severity of symptoms in the long run. 

The Power of Femtech

The femtech industry is changing the game for women’s health. Historically, women’s health has been neglected, but now, women-founded and women-led companies are stepping up to create products and services that truly meet our needs. For example, Elvie raised $42 million to support pelvic floor dysfunction and breastfeeding products, and Bayer acquired Kandy Therapeutics, a company specializing in menopause, for $1 billion.

At Peli Health, we're part of this movement. We’re committed to closing healthcare gaps and ensuring women can lead healthier, happier lives. By removing the stigma around pelvic health, we aim to create a safe and engaged community where women can share their experiences and feel less isolated.

Breaking the Cycle of Neglect

Societal taboos and systemic underfunding have led to a lack of research and support for women’s health conditions. It’s time to break this cycle. We need to prioritize women’s health by funding research, supporting femtech companies, raising awareness, streamlining access to care, and educating both healthcare providers and women.

By doing so, we can ensure that every woman receives the care and support she deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Let’s continue to support each other and advocate for better pelvic health care.

We invite you to join the waitlist for Peli Health and get early access to our platform.

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With love and perseverance, 

Kerstin Recker Alexandre, co-founder of Peli Health

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Pelvic Health - FAQs 

Answering some of the most common questions we receive on pelvic floor health below. Hope it's helpful as well.

What is Pelvic Health?

Pelvic health refers to the well-being of the pelvic region, which includes the muscles, ligaments, and organs within the pelvis—such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. It's a crucial aspect of overall health, especially for women, as it impacts a variety of functions like bladder and bowel control, sexual activity, pregnancy, and childbirth. Unfortunately, pelvic health is often overlooked until there’s a problem, but it deserves our attention at every stage of life.

What is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

Pelvic health physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on the rehabilitation and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a key role in supporting pelvic organs and maintaining urinary and bowel control. Pelvic health PT can be a game-changer for women dealing with issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction. Through tailored exercises, manual therapy, and education, pelvic health PT helps restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

What is Pelvic Floor Health?

Pelvic floor health is a vital component of our overall health: physical, mental, social, and sexual well-being. Pelvic floor health focuses on the condition and functionality of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles act like a hammock, supporting the bladder, bowel, and, for women, the uterus. Healthy pelvic floor muscles are neither too tight nor too weak; they function optimally, helping to control urination, support childbirth, and maintain sexual health. When the pelvic floor muscles are not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of issues, from incontinence to pelvic pain.

Why is Pelvic Floor Health Important?

Pelvic floor health is important because it directly impacts many aspects of daily life, from controlling when you go to the bathroom to sexual satisfaction. A strong, healthy pelvic floor supports your pelvic organs, helps prevent incontinence, and can ease childbirth and recovery. Moreover, good pelvic floor health contributes to core stability, which affects your posture, overall physical function, and sexual and mental well-being. Ignoring pelvic floor health can lead to chronic conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, persistent pain (including painful intercourse), severe incontinence (bladder and bowel), and reduced quality of life.

How to Improve Pelvic Floor Health

Improving pelvic floor health starts with awareness and regular care. Here are some key steps:

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Just like any muscle group, we need to exercise our pelvic floor to stay strong and healthy throughout all of life's ages and stages. There are three moves that you can do to help your floor every day: cat/cow stretch, happy baby pose, and Pigeon pose and stretch.    
2. Proper Posture and Core Strengthening: Maintaining good posture and engaging in exercises that strengthen your core can support your pelvic floor muscles.
3. Stay Active: Regular physical activity, including low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, can improve overall pelvic health.
4. Avoid Strain: Be mindful of activities that put excessive strain on your pelvic floor, such as heavy lifting or high-impact exercises without proper support.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re experiencing symptoms, consult a pelvic health specialist or a pelvic health physical therapist. They can provide personalized guidance and interventions.

By taking these steps, you can maintain and improve your pelvic floor health, contributing to long-term well-being and a higher quality of life.

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