1 I Confess

I knew about the pelvic floor muscles.

Because of my job, I naturally had knowledge of them. Where these muscles are, why they are necessary, and why they weaken. I've explained their importance and how to exercise them with Kegel devices gathered from around the world.

Perhaps that's true for everything. Until you experience it yourself, you don't understand it, and it doesn't become personal.

That "oh" feeling the moment you sneeze. The slight panic when you can't stop laughing.

After childbirth, for the first time, the term "pelvic floor muscles" became a story about my own body.

Even for me, who works in Femtech, that was the case. So, to you who aren't concerned yet. And to you who might be starting to feel a little concerned. I want to write about this today.

2 Where are the pelvic floor muscles located?

While many have heard the term "pelvic floor muscles," I believe few can actually visualize where they are.

They are located at the "floor" of the pelvis. Literally, they are a group of muscles spread out like a hammock at the very bottom of the pelvis. They firmly support three vital organs for women from below: the bladder, uterus, and rectum.

They are invisible from the outside and cannot be touched.

While you can identify arm or thigh muscles, it's hard to tell if you're truly moving your pelvic floor muscles, even if you try. They are that kind of muscle—"present but unnoticed."

This single muscle group does so much, yet it's largely unnoticed. It works silently every day.

3 We're not using them as much now

Women of earlier generations naturally used their pelvic floor muscles in daily life. Squatting to clean, carrying heavy objects, using traditional Japanese squat toilets. These actions unknowingly engaged these muscles.

But what about now?

Sitting in front of a computer all day. Slouching over a smartphone. Some days, not leaving the house due to remote work.

Sitting for long periods can cause the pelvis to tilt backward. When this posture persists, the pelvic floor muscles become less effective in their normal function, and gradually become harder to be aware of as they are unused.

As life itself has changed, opportunities to use these muscles naturally have decreased. These muscles are now in a place where we, living in this era, must consciously engage them.

4 To those who think, "This doesn't concern me"

Many might feel that urinary incontinence is something for "the elderly" or "those who have given birth."

However, the numbers tell a different story.

And many people who are aware they experience urinary leakage don't consult anyone about it.

They're concerned, but can't speak up. They don't know who to consult. They decide it's nothing significant.

Many such people are around you. Perhaps even you yourself.

5 What those trying to conceive should also know

The topic of pelvic floor muscles isn't just about urinary leakage. It's also an important topic for those considering pregnancy.

The pelvic floor muscles are involved in blood flow around the pelvis, posture, and core stability. When considering body preparation for fertility, regulating the pelvic area can be seen as part of daily self-care.

Pregnancy makes it even more challenging. As the abdomen grows, the weight of the uterus continuously strains the pelvic floor muscles. If these muscles are already difficult to engage, it can easily lead to discomfort around the lower back and pelvis.

And during childbirth. As the baby passes through the birth canal, the pelvic floor muscles stretch significantly. It's believed that if these muscles are flexible, they can adapt more easily to this change.

After childbirth, if the pelvic floor muscles remain weakened, urinary leakage may continue, and the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (where organs descend) can increase. My experience happened precisely at this time.

That's why I believe it's much better to "be a little aware beforehand" than to "deal with it after it happens."

6 So, what to do?

The most common way to engage the pelvic floor muscles is through Kegel exercises. You "squeeze" your vagina and anus, and then slowly relax. Repeat this. No equipment is needed, and you can do it while sitting.

However, it's also true that few people continue with them.

Since these muscles are hard to perceive, it's common to think you're exercising them when you're not. And because it's hard to feel changes, it's easy to stop.

At fermata, we offer a variety of products, from analog pelvic floor training items to app-based gamified options, and EMS devices that target the muscles.

The important thing is not to decide "this is the right answer." It's to choose something that fits your body's condition, daily rhythm, and ease of continuation, without overexertion.