In my years as a pelvic health expert, I’ve seen one undeniable truth: healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether it’s overcoming pelvic pain, navigating menopause, or reclaiming pleasure after discomfort, the journey is profoundly shaped by the people around us. Community is more than just a support system. It is a catalyst for change, a source of validation, and a key factor in sustainable health and healing.
At my recent event, Hole Health is Whole You™, we brought together experts, patients, and advocates to discuss the biopsychosocial model of pelvic health. What emerged was a powerful theme: Our health is not just about what happens in our bodies, but how we exist within our communities.
The Science Behind Community and Healing
Research consistently shows that strong social connections improve health outcomes. A study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science found that social isolation is as significant a risk factor for mortality as smoking or obesity. When we apply this to pelvic health, the implications are clear. Women who feel supported are more likely to seek care, follow through with treatment, and experience better outcomes.
Connection also reduces stress, which is crucial for managing chronic pain. The nervous system has two primary states: fight-or-flight (sympathetic response) and rest-and-digest (parasympathetic response). Chronic stress from isolation keeps the body in a heightened state, exacerbating pain and dysfunction. Community engagement, however, helps shift the body into a healing state. It reduces cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the feel-good hormone, which is also linked to trust and bonding).
How Community Impacts Pelvic Health
1. Breaking the Silence Around Pelvic Pain
Many women suffer in silence. We are made to believe that issues like painful sex, urinary incontinence, or prolapse are just “part of aging” or something to be ashamed of. When we create spaces where women can share their experiences, we break the cycle of shame. This can be in support groups, online forums, or in-person events. Hearing someone else say, “Me too,” is often the first step toward seeking help.
2. Encouraging Proactive Healthcare
In my practice, I’ve found that women who are part of supportive communities are more likely to schedule pelvic physical therapy appointments, follow through with exercises, and advocate for their needs with healthcare providers. Support from friends, family, and/or community members around them validates their experiences and reinforces the importance of self-care.
3. Enhancing Mental and Emotional Resilience
Pelvic pain is never just physical. The psychological burden—fear, anxiety, frustration—can be overwhelming. Being part of a community provides emotional resilience. It offers a space where women can voice their fears, share frustrations, and learn from others who have walked the same path.
4. Bridging the Gap in Women’s Healthcare Advocacy
One of the most powerful takeaways from Hole Health is Whole You™ was the role of community in advocating for systemic change. Experts like Dr. Naomi Busch, April Haberman, Dr. Fiona O’Farrell, and Heidi Berthoud spoke about how collective voices lead to better policies, more research funding, and improved workplace accommodations for women’s health.
How to Build Your Healing Community
If you’re struggling with pelvic health issues, here’s the one thing you can do today: seek out a community that aligns with your needs and values. Here’s how:
1. Find a Local or Online Support Group
Look for pelvic health forums, Facebook groups, or local meetups. Look for key words like menopause, sexual wellness, or chronic pain management.
2. Work with Holistic Healthcare Providers
Choose providers who see you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. Integrated care ensures comprehensive support. This could look like working with a pelvic physical therapist alongside a counselor or menopause specialist.
3. Engage in Events and Workshops
Attend community-based health events (like Hole Health is Whole You™) where you can learn, share, and connect with others.
4. Speak Up and Share Your Story
Your voice matters. Whether it’s through social media, a personal blog, or simply having honest conversations with friends, sharing your experience helps others feel less alone and creates ripples of awareness.
TL;DR: You Are Not Alone
Healing isn’t just about the exercises you do or the medications you take. It’s about who walks beside you in the process. As a pelvic health expert, a mom without a mom, and an advocate for women’s wellness, I want every woman to know this: you are not alone.
The Hole Health is Whole You™ event reminded us that when we come together—across generations, professions, and experiences—we create a culture where women’s health is prioritized, and healing is possible.
Community isn’t just a support system; it is the foundation of true, lasting wellness.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, find your community and let’s keep the conversation going. Because your hole health is whole health.
If you’re in the Seattle area, I can help! I know you might be nervous, and unsure whether pelvic floor physical therapy is right for you. You can either speak to us over the telephone or come into our clinic. You can get answers to your questions, get personalized advice, and learn about the safe, proven, and natural ways we can treat your problem fast and naturally!
