How to access pelvic floor dysfunction treatment at home

You don't have to suffer in silence with pelvic floor issues

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of women, yet most go untreated or wait years to find care.¹ ² Symptoms such as pelvic pain, leakage, or pressure can be distressing, but they are not inevitable.

With new digital tools, women can now access pelvic floor dysfunction treatment at home, guided by licensed experts and supported by clinical data. From-home women's health care programs like Bloom by Sword Health offer private, effective therapy designed to help women heal comfortably, confidently, and on their own schedule.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction and why does it happen?

The pelvic floor is a network of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles are essential for stability, posture, and everyday functions such as urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity. When the pelvic muscles become weak, tight, or uncoordinated, it leads to pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition that can cause discomfort, pain, and loss of control.³

Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop for many reasons. Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the pelvic muscles. Hormonal changes during menopause reduce muscle tone and elasticity. Chronic constipation, pelvic surgery, and long hours of sitting can also weaken or tighten the pelvic muscles.⁴ ⁵

Research shows that one in three women in the United States will experience pelvic floor dysfunction in her lifetime.⁶ Despite this, many women delay seeking treatment because they assume symptoms are an unavoidable part of aging or postpartum recovery. They are not. Pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable, and recovery is often easier and faster than most women expect.

What are the common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can appear differently for each woman, but the most common symptoms include:

• Leaking urine when sneezing, laughing, or exercising
• Difficulty controlling or holding urine
• Constipation or pain during bowel movements
• A feeling of pelvic heaviness or pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Ongoing pelvic, hip, or lower back pain

These symptoms are disruptive but also highly treatable.⁷ They are signals that the pelvic floor muscles are out of sync and need gentle retraining to function properly again.

What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?

The pelvic floor can be affected by physical, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

Common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth: Stretching and delivery place pressure on the pelvic muscles and nerves.⁵
• Menopause: Lower estrogen levels can lead to muscle weakness and tissue thinning.⁸
• Chronic straining: Repeated heavy lifting or constipation can overwork muscles.⁴
• Pelvic surgery or trauma: Procedures such as hysterectomy or C-section may disrupt pelvic coordination.⁴
• Posture and stress: Constant tension in the body often translates into pelvic muscle tightness.⁹

Pelvic floor dysfunction is rarely caused by one issue alone. The condition is multifactorial, which is why effective treatment combines physical therapy, education, and behavioral support.¹⁰

How is pelvic floor dysfunction treated?

The standard of care is pelvic floor physical therapy, a specialized form of therapy that retrains the muscles responsible for support and control.¹¹

Treatment typically includes:

• Targeted exercises to strengthen or relax specific pelvic muscles
• Biofeedback to monitor muscle contractions and improve coordination
• Breathing and posture techniques to improve alignment and reduce strain
• Manual therapy to release tightness or pain
• Lifestyle and habit coaching to support bladder and bowel health

These methods help restore control, relieve pain, and rebuild confidence. Many women report feeling stronger and more in tune with their bodies after completing therapy.¹¹

Why pelvic floor dysfunction treatment at home is so much easier

Despite its proven benefits, pelvic floor therapy can be difficult to access. In the U.S., there is only one pelvic health therapist for every 10,000 women,¹² leaving long wait times and significant travel burdens. Privacy concerns and busy schedules add further barriers, especially for mothers and caregivers.

At-home treatment provides a solution. Digital pelvic health programs make therapy accessible, flexible, and discreet. Women can complete guided sessions at home, supported remotely by licensed pelvic health specialists.

The benefits of at-home care:

• Privacy: Therapy happens in the comfort of home.
• Flexibility: Sessions can be completed before or after work, or on weekends.
• Access: Women in rural or underserved areas can reach experts without travel.
• Consistency: Flexible scheduling encourages regular participation, which improves results.¹³

At-home pelvic therapy empowers women to take control of their recovery, combining comfort with clinical precision.

How does at-home pelvic floor therapy actually work?

Modern digital therapy programs bring the structure of in-person care into the home through connected technology and professional support. The leading example is Bloom by Sword Health, a digital pelvic health program designed to help women recover safely, privately, and effectively.

How the Bloom program works

Bloom starts with a detailed clinical intake that identifies each member’s symptoms, health history, and personal goals. Every woman is then paired with a Woman's Health Specialist (who also carries a Doctor of Physical Therapy) who designs an individualized care plan. Members receive the Bloom Pod, an FDA-listed device that measures pelvic floor muscle activity. Using the Sword app, women complete short, guided sessions at home. The Pod provides real-time biofeedback, allowing users to see and understand how their muscles are working.

Throughout treatment, the specialist monitors progress, adjusts exercises, and provides education and encouragement through secure messaging or video calls. The experience mirrors in-person therapy but is more accessible and private.

Why Bloom is so effective compared to alternatives

Bloom combines clinical rigor with real-world flexibility. Traditional therapy often requires weeks of travel, time off work, and out-of-pocket costs. Bloom removes those barriers while maintaining medical-grade supervision.

Clinical outcomes show Bloom's strong results:

• 61 percent of women with moderate-to-severe pelvic floor dysfunction experienced meaningful improvement.¹⁴
• 76 percent reported reduced anxiety, and 54 percent saw improvement in depression symptoms.¹⁴
• Productivity impairment decreased by nearly 50 percent.¹⁴
• Half of all sessions take place outside normal working hours, and 20 percent occur on weekends.¹⁵

Bloom’s combination of privacy, flexibility, and professional oversight makes it one of the most accessible and effective pelvic care options available.

Reclaim comfort and confidence with Bloom

If you are dealing with pelvic discomfort, pain, or leakage, you do not have to manage it alone. Pelvic therapy can help you rebuild strength, control, and comfort, and with Bloom, you can do it discreetly and effectively from home. Recovery is guided by licensed specialists, supported by real data, and designed for your life and schedule. It is care that meets you where you are, helping you move forward with confidence.

Are you already be covered for Bloom's personalized care programs by your employer or health insurer? Check your coverage today (you may be able to get started today at $0 cost to you).

FAQs about pelvic floor treatment

What is the best way to treat pelvic floor dysfunction at home?The best at-home treatment combines personalized exercises, biofeedback technology, and licensed clinical support. Programs like Bloom by Sword Health use an FDA-listed device and a mobile app to guide therapy with real-time feedback, ensuring safety and results.

Can I really improve pelvic floor dysfunction without going to a clinic?

Yes. Clinically-guided digital pelvic therapy can match or exceed the results of in-person sessions when overseen by a qualified woman's health specialist. Bloom provides ongoing monitoring and one-on-one support from a Doctor of Physical Therapy, so you never have to go through recovery alone.

How long does it take to see improvement with at-home therapy?

Most women notice meaningful improvements in comfort, bladder control, and confidence within four to six weeks. Consistent participation and gradual progression are key to long-term success.

What symptoms can at-home pelvic therapy help relieve?

At-home therapy can help reduce bladder leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, and pressure caused by weak or tight pelvic muscles. It is also highly effective for postpartum recovery and hormonal changes that affect pelvic strength.

Is at-home pelvic floor therapy safe for postpartum women?

Yes. Programs like Bloom are designed to support postpartum healing and are customized to your stage of recovery. All exercises and protocols are created and monitored by expert care providers who carry a Doctor of Physical Therapy qualification..

Do I need special equipment for pelvic floor therapy at home?

Bloom provides all the equipment needed, including the Bloom Pod, an FDA-listed sensor that measures pelvic muscle activity and provides feedback through the Sword app. No additional devices are required.

When should I see a doctor instead of doing therapy at home?

You should contact a doctor if you experience severe or sudden pelvic pain, unexplained bleeding, painful urination, or changes in bladder or bowel habits. Digital programs like Bloom do give you the support of a matched women's health care specialist who can help you identify when medical escalation is needed.

Can at-home pelvic floor therapy prevent surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Early treatment can strengthen pelvic support and control, reducing the likelihood of conditions progressing to surgical stages. Regular guided therapy helps prevent worsening symptoms.

Is Bloom covered by insurance or employer health plans?

Bloom is included in many employer and health plan benefits. You can check your eligibility and coverage through your employer or directly on the Sword Health website.

What makes Bloom different from pelvic floor apps or videos online?

Unlike generic exercise apps, Bloom provides clinically validated care with direct support from Doctors of Physical Therapy. Each plan is personalized and supervised, ensuring safety and measurable outcomes.

Can I use Bloom alongside other treatments or physical therapy?

Yes. Bloom complements existing pelvic care, reinforcing exercises and improving consistency between in-person appointments or medical treatments.