Floored audiobook cover - A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage

Floored

A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage

Sara Reardon

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Categories:
Health & NutritionSex & RelationshipsPersonal Development

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Floored
Anatomy & Basics+
Daily Mechanics+
Bathroom Habits+
Sex & Pregnancy+
Postpartum & Menopause+
Managing Chronic Pain+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
What is a core message the author emphasizes regarding pelvic floor issues like urine leakage and painful sex?
  • A. They are a normal part of aging that women must learn to manage with liners or surgery.
  • B. They are common but not normal, and can often be improved with proper care.
  • C. They are exclusively caused by pregnancy and childbirth.
  • D. They are rare conditions that always require formal physical therapy to treat.
Question 2 of 8
Which set of symptoms is most likely to indicate that the pelvic floor muscles are too tight rather than too weak?
  • A. Frequent urine leakage and a sense of not fully emptying the bladder.
  • B. Sudden loss of bowel control and frequent bathroom trips.
  • C. Burning during urination, painful sex, and constipation.
  • D. Complete loss of bladder control when sneezing or laughing.
Question 3 of 8
How should you coordinate your breathing when lifting a heavy object, such as a grocery bag, to protect your pelvic floor?
  • A. Hold your breath to pressurize your abdomen and stabilize your core.
  • B. Inhale deeply and hold the air in your chest until the lift is complete.
  • C. Take short, rapid breaths to keep the diaphragm engaged.
  • D. Exhale during the exertion to prevent downward pressure on the pelvic floor.
Question 4 of 8
What is a major misconception about Kegel exercises highlighted in the text?
  • A. They are a universal cure-all for all pelvic floor problems.
  • B. They require coordinating both the front and back muscles.
  • C. They should be performed while sitting tall with feet flat.
  • D. They involve lifting the muscles upward toward the pubic bone.
Question 5 of 8
Why does the author strongly advise against going to the bathroom to pee 'just in case'?
  • A. It sends mixed signals to the brain and prevents complete emptying.
  • B. It trains the bladder to become overly sensitive over time.
  • C. It forces the bladder wall to stretch, leading to weakness and prolapse.
  • D. It causes the pelvic floor muscles to permanently spasm.
Question 6 of 8
Contrary to popular belief, what is the primary role of the pelvic floor muscles during childbirth?
  • A. To forcefully push the baby out of the birth canal.
  • B. To contract repetitively to assist the uterus in pushing.
  • C. To relax and stretch to allow the baby to pass safely.
  • D. To hold the pelvis rigid so the diaphragm can push downward.
Question 7 of 8
What is the recommended approach for pelvic floor recovery during the first week postpartum?
  • A. Resuming full core activity to quickly regain muscle tone.
  • B. Performing long-hold Kegels lasting up to 30 seconds.
  • C. Doing standing exercises and gentle pelvic bridges.
  • D. Starting with 'quick flick' Kegels while lying down.
Question 8 of 8
What is the first step in the author's four-step protocol for managing chronic pelvic pain?
  • A. Pausing the activity that triggers the pain.
  • B. Tracking the pain to identify subtle patterns and triggers.
  • C. Relaxing the pelvic floor using deep breathing or internal wands.
  • D. Slowly reintroducing the triggering activity in small increments.

Floored — Full Chapter Overview

Floored Summary & Overview

Floored (2025) is a candid, empowering guide to understanding and healing the pelvic floor –⁠ an essential but often ignored part of the body that affects everything from continence to sexual wellness. The book breaks down myths, normalizes conversation around symptoms like pain and leakage, and offers practical tools for recovery across all life stages. With clarity and compassion, it urges women to reclaim agency over their bodies and demand better medical care.

Who Should Listen to Floored?

  • Pregnant and postpartum women
  • Fitness and body literacy enthusiasts
  • People experiencing pelvic pain or incontinence

About the Author: Sara Reardon

Dr. Sara Reardon is a board‑certified pelvic floor physical therapist and women’s health clinical specialist who has cared for thousands of patients since 2007 and founded The Vagina Whisperer, a widely followed online platform and movement. She’s a recognized advocate in mainstream media outlets –⁠ including Time, Harper’s Bazaar, and a TED Talk –⁠ championing better postpartum care and pelvic health education.

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