Hi friends! I’ve decided to share some of my favorite resources for the pelvic floor. They include books, websites, blogs, and tools to help support anything from the normal function of your bowel and bladder to the dysfunctions you may be dealing with. They also include sex and sexuality and hopefully you will find them useful. I will update this blog as I find more items that are useful in my physical therapy practice.  (Please be aware some of the links below are affiliate links. I only support companies that share common values and support all people.)

General Pelvic Health Information

Pelvic Guru (Website & Provider Tracker)

This is a great place to find a provider near you to support your needs with a focus on all things pelvic floor. The list of professionals on this site is extensive and covers anything from physicians and therapists to doulas, trainers, sex counselors, and more. 

Pelvic Health & Rehab Center (Blog)

Pelvic Health & Rehab Center’s founders Stephanie Prendergast & Elizabeth Akincilar, along with their team, run a fantastic blog and cover SO many topics. Type what you are looking for into the Search Bar – I am sure they have a blog post about it. 

Bodies (Podcast)

Bodies is a “feminist documentary podcast” hosted by Allison Behringer which dive into medical mysteries people are dealing with daily. Having listened to the first season and currently working on the second I can tell you I have treated patients who fit into each episode’s topic. Take a listen and see if one of the stories resonates with you. I find that the more we listen the more we hear people who sound just like us and then we don’t feel so alone. 

Medicine Mama's Apothecary (Organic Skin Care)

Medicine Mama's carries a variety of organic skin care products including VMagic which helps to "replenish moisture, balance pH and rejuvenate intimate skin."

Use code JOYNOBLE for 10% off your order.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Kegel Trainer PFM Exercises (App)

How many times have you heard “There’s an app for that!”? Well I am here to tell you there is an app to remind you to do your Kegels. This app lets you set reminders as well as customize the cues you will receive. Get the paid version to be able to customize your pelvic floor exercises. I find the free version is a great start to establishing a habit of doing Kegel exercises.

Heal Pelvic Pain by Amy Stein (Book)

This is the first book I ever read about pelvic floor dysfunction. Amy Stein provides a comprehensive approach to helping your pelvic pain symptoms through stretching, relaxation, massage and nutrition. 

Pelvic Pain Explained: What You Need to Know by Stephanie Prendergast & Elizabeth Akincilar (Book)

From Pelvic Health & Rehab Center, Stephanie and Elizabeth have written a book that is easy for patients to understand while still providing excellent information to therapists. This book covers just about everything and provides patient stories throughout. I find myself oftentimes pointing patients in the direction of this book and referencing a specific testimonial I think may resonate with them. 

The Interstitial Cystitis Solution by Nicole Cozean & Jesse Cozean (Book) 

This book provides a comprehensive approach to helping patients treat their IC symptoms. By utilizing a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach, Nicole & Jesse have provided the best standard of care for patients with IC including physical therapy, diet and lifestyle, medication, and more. 

Soul Source Dilators (Tools)

This is my go-to for pelvic floor dilators for my patients who are following a dilator protocol for post operative vaginoplasty. They have an awesome selection of products for your pelvic floor needs. Use code 53225 for 5% off your order.

Soul Source | Amazon

Intimate Rose Dilators & Wands (Tools)

Intimate Rose has amazing quality dilators that you can buy in sets or individually.  I also love their wand for trigger point release which can be used either vaginally or rectally. Intimate Rose also offers vaginal weights and a list of other products for your pelvic floor.  Use code JOY1 for $5 off your order.

Squatty Potty (Tool)

With a slogan of “The #1 way to #2” what else is there to know? This genius reworking of a step stool provides you the ability to obtain a squatted position while seated on the toilet. This allows your pelvic floor muscles to obtain the optimum position for having a bowel movement. Whether you suffer from constipation or not, a squatty potty is an excellent tool to have in each bathroom!

Squatty Potty | Amazon

Menstruation

Period Tracker (App)

This is one of those apps I am so glad I have and use in the most bizarre times like when the doctor’s office asks “what was the start date of your last cycle?” How the heck am I supposed to know! This app is perfect for tracking your cycle as well as when you are intimate and any symptoms you are having day to day. I often find myself relating some of my patient’s symptoms back to their menstrual cycles. With Period Tacker! you can track your cycle, intamcy, mood, and any symptoms you are trying to keep track of in one convenient place.

DivaCup (Tool)

This has seriously changed by period experience. As someone who has a heavier flow, I have absolutely loved using my DivaCup and have not had to buy tampons in over two years. It takes some getting used to but I promise this was only about two or three days when I first got it. Now, once it is in place I forget it’s even there. I am able to travel, work a 12 hour day, or sleep through the night without worrying about leaks. I highly recommend a menstrual cup!

DivaCup | Amazon

Thinx (Tool)

Oh Thinx, where to even begin! These have been a serious life saver. I have worn my Thinx for a busy work day when I don’t have time to stop and worry about my period. I have worn them on a long day of flying, during workouts, through the night, and so much more. Thinx are an amazing alternative to our standard period products and just like with my Diva Cup and tampons – I have not bought pads in over two years. While at first they may seem bulky, I swear you totally forget about them. The pairs I have are first generation and the felt similar to a bathing suit bottom but once I got moving I didn’t even notice. Since then, the technology has improved. The best part about Thinx for me is that they are made for everyone! Women are not the only ones who menstruate and Thinx gets that.  

Sex & Intimacy

Savage Lovecast (Podcast)

Dan Savage is an author and sex-advice columnist runs the Savage Lovecast – a podcast about all things sex. He covers everything from relationship advice to monogomy, kink, gay rights, consent, and literally SO SO much more. This is truly a great podcast to open your heart and mind to new ways of thinking, dip your toe into worlds you may not know much about, and maybe find the words to advocate for things you want in the bedroom. 

Slippery Stuff Lubrication (Tool)

This is the lubrication I use in clinic and highly recommend to patients. It is water based, safe, does not stain, and is free from scents or flavors to help decrease adverse reaction. 

Slippery Stuff  | Amazon

Go Love CBD Lubricant

The CBD in this lubrication is great for those who would benefit from its calming effects for pelvic floor muscle relaxation. 

Use code PELVICPRIDE for 10% off your order.

Eva II (Tool)

The Eva II vibrator is perfect for partnered sex! It fits in the vulva and provides clitoral stimulation to the wearer during penetrative sex. This is ideal for the 75% of people who are unable to orgasm without the help of hands or toys during intercourse. Use code JOYNOBLE for 10% off your order.

OhNut (Tool)

Another fantastic tool for painful sex! The OhNut is a modular ring set that slides onto the penis or dildo to decrease the depth of penetration during sex. This is ideal for people suffering from painful sex during deeper penetration. The OhNut allows you to explore more positions with the peace of mind that penetration will not be too deep while still allow pleasure for all partners involved. Use code PELVICPRIDE7 for $7 off your order.

Resources for Puberty, Sexual Health, and Relationships for those under 18

It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H Harris & Michael Emberley

Wait, What? A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up by Heather Corinna, Isabella Rotman & Luke Howard

 Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg & Fiona Smyth

@sexpositive_families on Instagram

I hope you find these resources helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions or don’t see something listed here but need a recommendation. The above post does contain affiliate link - let me know if you have any questions.