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In this episode of Opt to Thrive, Dr Sims sits down with pelvic health physiotherapist Andrea Picket to talk about an issue that affects so many women—especially in midlife and beyond—but is still often only whispered about: pelvic floor health.

💬 In This Episode:

✨ From Pregnancy to Pelvic Physio
Andrea, who is a midlife woman herself with years of experience in pelvic health physiotherapy, shares how her own pregnancy journey opened her eyes to the gaps in pelvic health care for women—and how that sparked her career pivot into pelvic health physiotherapy. While the field has grown and is now supported by strong research, access remains a challenge with long waitlists still common.

💧 Urinary Incontinence: A Common Yet Treatable Concern
Did you know that 1 in 2 women over 70 experience some form of urinary incontinence? Andrea and Corina talk openly about this widespread issue and how it can be avoided, emphasizing the importance of seeking help early, normalizing these conversations, and not suffering in silence.

⚠️ Bladder Dysfunction – Know the Risk Factors
From pregnancy and menopause to surgery, trauma, and even holding your bladder too long—Andrea unpacks the many causes of bladder issues and stresses the importance of bladder retraining and listening to your body’s natural cues.

🌙 What’s Normal at Night?
Is getting up once a night to void normal after 50? Andrea says yes—and dives into how pelvic floor awareness and improving daytime voiding can help manage nighttime habits too.

🏋️‍♀️ Pelvic Floor and Exercise – Yes, You Can Lift!
Andrea busts the myth that weightlifting leads to prolapse or leaking. Instead, it’s all about how you lift—engaging your pelvic floor, breathing properly, and staying symptom-aware.

💪 More Than Just Kegels
Kegels are just the beginning! Andrea walks us through pelvic floor training that builds not just strength, but endurance and power. From checking your technique to incorporating exercises into everyday life—this is pelvic floor fitness redefined.

💗 The Moisturizer Your Pelvic Floor Might Be Missing
Dry tissue can be just as much a problem as weak muscles. Andrea and Corina chat about vaginal moisturizers, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and prescription estrogen creams—and why tissue health matters at every stage of life.

🚽 Toilet Posture, Hip Mobility & Bowel Health
From using a footstool during toileting to keeping the hips and spine mobile, Andrea offers up practical tools for supporting the pelvic floor through daily habits.

🎓 Knowledge is Power – Especially in Midlife
This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to live with discomfort. From dyspareunia to prolapse, Andrea and Corina break down the treatment options available and share why early intervention matters.

📩 If this episode resonated with you or sparked questions, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a review, share it with a friend, and remember: thriving in midlife starts with being intentional with your own health—and that includes your pelvic floor.