Have you ever rushed to the bathroom and power-peed like your life depended on it? If you’re like so many of us, the answer is a big, guilty yes. But what if I told you that this habit — along with other seemingly harmless pelvic floor mistakes — could actually be affecting your fertility? Crazy, right?

I recently stumbled across a fascinating segment on NPR titled 'Say no to power peeing' and other good tips from a pelvic floor physical therapist featuring Sara Reardon, a pelvic floor physical therapist. She shed light on how our pelvic floors, the superhero muscles that support our bladder, bowels, and reproductive system, play a pivotal role in overall reproductive health.

So, what exactly is the pelvic floor, and why should you care?

Think of your pelvic floor like a hammock of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles do a lot of heavy lifting — literally supporting your uterus, bladder, and bowel. When these muscles are weak or tense, it can cause a domino effect, leading to issues ranging from incontinence to discomfort during intimacy, and yes, even challenges with fertility.

Sara’s advice on avoiding “power peeing”—that intense, forceful urination many of us do when we’re in a hurry—is more than just bathroom etiquette. Power peeing can strain your pelvic muscles unnecessarily. Instead, slowing down and letting your pelvic floor relax can help maintain its strength and functionality.

But how does pelvic floor health connect to conception?

A strong, well-coordinated pelvic floor supports optimal blood flow to your reproductive organs, helps with proper positioning of the uterus, and can improve comfort during intimate moments—factors that all contribute to a nurturing environment for conception.

Moreover, conditions like vaginismus or pelvic floor dysfunction can interfere with insemination or intercourse, making conception more challenging. This is where solutions like the at-home insemination kits from MakeAMom come in handy. Their products, such as the BabyMaker kit designed specifically for users with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus, provide a gentle, cost-effective option to support your conception journey.

Feeling intrigued? Here are some quick pelvic floor tips inspired by Sara Reardon’s expert advice to start strengthening your fertility foundation:

• Skip the power peeing: Take your time when you go to the bathroom. Letting your pelvic floor relax reduces strain.
• Practice “squeeze before you sneeze”: Engage your pelvic floor muscles just before coughing, sneezing, or heavy lifting to protect them from sudden pressure.
• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Regularly contracting and relaxing these muscles can build strength, but make sure you’re doing them right! Consulting a pelvic floor therapist can be a game-changer.
• Mind your posture: Slouching can weaken pelvic support. Sitting tall encourages pelvic floor engagement.

I know what you might be thinking: “Okay, but how do I know if my pelvic floor needs work?” Some signs to look out for include frequent urinary leakage, pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, or trouble emptying your bladder fully.

If you notice any of these, consider reaching out to a pelvic floor therapist who can tailor a plan for you.

Let’s tie this back to the bigger picture. Your fertility journey is about more than just eggs and sperm—it’s about nurturing your entire body, mind, and pelvic health. Applying small lifestyle tweaks like mastering pelvic floor awareness doesn’t just help with pregnancy chances; it also benefits your overall well-being.

And speaking of supporting conception from home, that’s exactly what MakeAMom’s reusable insemination kits are designed for. Their products cater to a variety of needs — whether you’re working with low motility sperm, frozen sperm, or sensitivities — empowering you to take control of your journey with confidence, all from the comfort of your own space.

So, what’s the takeaway here?

Your pelvic floor is way more important than you might have guessed. Taking time to nurture it, ditching the “power peeing” habit, and embracing tools designed for your unique fertility needs can pave the way for a smoother, more empowered conception experience.

I’d love to know: Have you noticed how your pelvic floor habits affect your fertility journey? What small changes have made a difference for you? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep this important conversation going!

For more inspiring resources on at-home conception, including gentle insemination tools tailored to your needs, check out MakeAMom’s website.

Remember, your fertility journey is uniquely yours — and embracing pelvic health might just be the secret ingredient you never knew you needed.