Brittany Mahomes is shedding light on a condition that affects many individuals postpartum but is often overlooked in discussions. The wife of Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback, recently disclosed that she’s dealing with a fractured back due to pelvic floor issues that arose after childbirth. She is the mother of a 3-year-old daughter, Sterling Skye, and a 15-month-old son, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III.
In a March Instagram Story, she emphasized the importance of caring for one’s pelvic floor after childbirth. “Just a daily reminder: Once you have kids, please take care of your pelvic floor,” she wrote. She added a poignant note, “Seriously. From: a girl with a fractured back.”
Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), also known as pelvic floor dysfunction, are common postpartum. These issues can even begin during pregnancy due to changes in the body. However, giving birth vaginally has been associated with a higher risk of developing pelvic floor disorders, likely due to the pushing and pressure during labor. While the risk may be lower after a cesarean section, the muscles can still be affected.
Despite their prevalence, pelvic floor issues are often not openly discussed, and symptoms frequently go undiagnosed. However, PFDs can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Approximately one-quarter of women in the United States experience at least one pelvic floor disorder, ranging from urinary incontinence to pelvic organ prolapse (POP), where the pelvic organs drop down due to weakened support tissues and muscles.
The actual number may be even higher, with some experts estimating that up to one-third of women are affected by PFDs. Additionally, about one in ten women will undergo surgery for these issues in their lifetime.
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles and connective tissues in the pelvic floor are weakened or injured, causing them to function improperly. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. PFD can occur even without childbirth and can affect men as well, with research suggesting genetic, structural, or hormonal factors as contributing causes.
Risk factors for PFDs include pressure on the pelvic floor from factors such as body weight, constipation, heavy lifting, and chronic coughing. Age and genetics also play a role, with pelvic floor muscles weakening over time or being predisposed to conditions affecting connective tissues.
Symptoms of pelvic floor disorders vary but may include a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the vagina, difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder, urinary leakage, and constipation. Other complications may include pain in the back, hips, neck, shoulders, pelvic region, genitals, or rectum, as well as pain during sex.
Treatment for PFDs often involves pelvic floor therapy, which focuses on rebuilding deep core strength, retraining muscles, reducing pain, improving posture, and teaching correct body mechanics. While pelvic floor therapy isn’t routinely recommended postpartum, many physicians and therapists advocate for its inclusion as standard practice. In some cases, additional treatments such as medications, trigger point injections, or surgical interventions may be necessary.
It’s essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of PFDs to seek help from healthcare providers. Despite feelings of shame or embarrassment that may be associated with these issues, symptoms are treatable, and individuals should feel empowered to discuss their concerns with their doctors. There are numerous resources and treatment options available to help manage pelvic floor disorders and improve overall quality of life.
