Every year, National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) serves as a powerful reminder for women across the United States to take charge of their health.
This year, from May 11 to 17, 2025, the spotlight is on an often overlooked but crucial area of women’s health: the pelvic floor.
With the theme “Know Your Pelvic Floor,” the U.S. FDA Office of Women’s Health (OWH) aims to raise awareness around pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), which silently affect millions of women but are rarely discussed openly.
Why women’s health week matters
Initiated on Mother’s Day, National Women’s Health Week highlights the importance of preventive care, mental and physical well-being, and early intervention. Women are often caregivers for others—partners, children, parents—but tend to put their own health on the back burner.
This week is a nationwide initiative to change that mindset.
Moreover, this year’s focus on pelvic floor health is especially timely. Statistics reveal that:
- 50% of women experience at least one pelvic floor disorder (PFD) within a decade of giving birth.
- Conditions like urinary incontinence (43.9%), pelvic organ prolapse (5.5%), and anal incontinence (15.6%) are also linked to PFD.
Yet many women either ignore the symptoms or feel too embarrassed to seek help.
Know your pelvic floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel.
A weakened or damaged pelvic floor can affect sexual function, bowel and bladder control, and overall comfort.
The FDA’s initiative this year aims to provide tools and information to help women understand and strengthen their pelvic floor before problems arise.
To support this effort, the FDA’s OWH has released digital resources, social media toolkits, and a detailed blog series covering:
- Types and symptoms of PFD
- Risk factors and lifestyle causes
- How to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- Treatment options and professional care
The message is clear:
It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your pelvic floor health.
Global perspectives: Women’s health weeks around the world
While the US dedicates this week in May to women’s health, other countries have their own observances, each highlighting unique regional priorities:
- International Women’s Day (March 8): Celebrated globally, it serves as a platform for addressing not just health but also gender equality and social progress.
- Australia’s Women’s Health Week (September 1–7, 2025): Focuses on health literacy and awareness campaigns around mental, sexual, and reproductive health.
- Women’s Health Week Europe (October 15–17, 2025, London): Brings together health leaders and innovators to discuss women’s health equity and new technologies.
- India: While there is no nationally designated Women’s Health Week, medical institutions and NGOs often conduct health camps and educational drives around International Women’s Day.
The role of healthtech in advancing this year’s theme
The pelvic floor is gaining traction not just in healthcare but also in the healthtech startup space. Two standout examples include:
Elvie
Known for its smart pelvic floor trainer, Elvie combines biofeedback technology with app-based coaching to help women perform effective pelvic floor exercises. Their products are designed to empower women to manage pelvic health from the comfort of their homes.
Lasa Health
Lasa Health is on a mission to shorten the diagnostic timeline for chronic pelvic pain. Their AI-powered platform integrates with EHRs to:
- Screen for undiagnosed pelvic pain conditions
- Assist clinicians with decision-making tools
- Offer 24/7 support via Lasa AI, a chatbot health assistant for women
What you can do this week (and beyond)
This is the perfect time to check in with yourself. Here are a few easy ways to get started:
- Schedule your annual checkup: Don’t skip your wellness visit. It’s your chance to ask questions, bring up concerns, and stay ahead of any potential health issues.
- Get moving: Regular exercise, even a brisk walk, strengthens not just your pelvic floor but your whole body.
- Eat mindfully: A heart-healthy, balanced diet helps your energy, mood, and long-term health.
- Strengthen your pelvic floor: Learn about Kegel exercises (yes, they actually work when done right).
- Talk about it: Whether it’s with your doctor or friends, normalise conversations about pelvic health. You’re definitely not alone.
Men, this matters for you too! Pelvic floor health isn’t just a woman’s issue. Men can experience issues like incontinence and pelvic pain too. Doing pelvic floor exercises and supporting open conversations can help break the stigma for everyone.
The takeaway
Pelvic floor problems are often brushed off as “normal after childbirth” or something that just comes with age. Many women feel embarrassed or uncomfortable bringing it up, even with their doctors. But ignoring symptoms doesn’t make them go away. In fact, early care and awareness can help prevent bigger issues later on.
That’s what this year’s National Women’s Health Week is about—breaking the silence, educating women, and giving them the tools to take control of their health.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and AHT Team
