Dr. Stephanie Riley Hahn: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Leaks, Painful Sex, And Prolapse
Pelvic floor problems are not a “just do more kegels” issue.For a lot of women, kegels are either not specific enough, or they make symptoms worse.
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Riley Hahn, pelvic floor physical therapist and founder of Longevity and Pilates, breaks down what pelvic floor dysfunction actually is, how to tell weakness from tightness, and why pressure management and breathing mechanics often matter more than squeezing harder.
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In this conversation:
Why pelvic floor tightness can drive pain, irritation and symptoms
The difference between weakness and tension, and how to tell
How breathing and pressure management change everything
What downtraining involves, and what tends to backfire
Prolapse support options, and when to seek help
Overactive bladder and constipation patterns that keep symptoms alive
Chapters:
00:00:00 Trailer / Cold Open
00:01:10 Stop Normalizing Leaks: Pelvic Floor Health Is Longevity
00:04:07 Incontinence Explained: Stress Vs Urge, And Why Women Wait Years
00:06:33 Pelvic Floor Basics: What It Is, And What Can Go Wrong
00:10:35 Why Weakness Happens: Hormones, Birth, Pressure, And Training Habits
00:15:13 The Breathing Fix: Pressure Management That Protects Your Pelvic Floor
00:21:52 Sex, Pain, And Pleasure: Why Tension Changes Everything
00:25:42 Kegels Done Right: Strength Without Making Symptoms Worse
00:32:03 Pelvic Floor PT: What To Ask, And When At-Home Tools Help
00:37:00 When Tightness Is The Real Problem, And Why It Happens
00:47:51 How Tightness Is Diagnosed: Internal Exam, Trigger Points, Pain Mapping
00:51:04 Downtraining Tightness: What Actually Works, And What Backfires
00:55:02 Prolapse Without Panic: What It Means, And What Helps First
01:01:33 Pre-Baby Prep And Core Training That Supports You (Transverse Abs)
01:07:08 Exercises That Spike Pressure, And Create Symptoms
01:09:46 Bladder And Bowel Reset: Constipation, Overactive Bladder, And Emsella
01:22:23 Postpartum Recovery: C-Section Scars, Diastasis, And Long-Term Strength
01:34:00 Final Takeaways, And Where To Find Dr. Stephanie