Your Desk Job Could Be Wrecking Your Pelvic Health

If you spend most of your day at a desk, you’re not alone—millions of Australians do. But while your job may seem safe from a physical perspective, all that sitting could be doing more harm than you realise. One of the most overlooked consequences of prolonged sitting is how it impacts pelvic health, particularly in women. Whether you’re struggling with discomfort, bladder changes, or pressure in your lower abdomen, it might be time to speak with a pelvic floor specialist. That’s because sitting for extended periods weakens the core and glute muscles, tightens the hip flexors, and places undue pressure on the pelvic region. Over time, this can trigger or worsen a pelvic floor problem, including prolapse—a condition where organs like the bladder or uterus shift out of place due to weakened pelvic support. If you’re already dealing with prolapse or worried about the symptoms, it’s crucial to get a diagnosis and explore treatment with the best prolapse surgeon in Melbourne.

The Link Between Desk Jobs and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

While it might not be the first thing your GP mentions, the relationship between sedentary jobs and pelvic floor dysfunction is well-documented. According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, around one in three women who have ever had a baby will experience some degree of pelvic floor dysfunction. But childbirth isn’t the only culprit—lifestyle factors, especially prolonged sitting, are also major contributors.

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that act like a hammock to support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. These muscles are designed to work dynamically throughout the day, contracting and relaxing as you move. But when you’re stuck in the same seated position for hours at a time, your pelvic floor isn’t getting the stimulation it needs to stay strong and functional.

Common Signs You Might Have a Pelvic Floor Problem

Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t just about incontinence—although that’s often a red flag. Other symptoms include:

• A heavy, dragging sensation in the pelvis
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain that doesn’t go away
• Difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowel
• Frequent trips to the toilet
• A bulge or feeling of something “falling out”

These signs can creep up slowly, which is why many people ignore them until they become disruptive. But early diagnosis and the right treatment from a pelvic floor specialist can prevent symptoms from worsening.

Why Desk Jobs Are Especially Risky

Even with ergonomic chairs and standing desks, most office workers still spend around 6.4 hours per day sitting, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. And it’s not just sitting—it’s the static posture, slumped shoulders, and tucked pelvis that cause problems.

When we sit too much, our abdominal and gluteal muscles weaken, and the pelvic floor has to compensate. Over time, this leads to fatigue and dysfunction. If you add other risk factors like pregnancy, heavy lifting, obesity, or chronic constipation, the pelvic floor may eventually struggle to support pelvic organs, increasing your risk of prolapse and the need for surgery.

What You Can Do About It

The good news? There are simple ways to protect your pelvic health—even if your job requires hours at a desk.

1. Move regularly: Stand up and walk around every 30–60 minutes. Try setting a reminder or using a smartwatch with movement alerts.
2. Strengthen strategically: Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), core workouts, and glute bridges can improve muscle tone and support.
3. See a specialist: A pelvic floor specialist can assess your symptoms and recommend tailored treatments, including physiotherapy or, in some cases, surgery.
4. Consider posture support: Sitting with a neutral spine and using posture aids can take pressure off your pelvic region.

Take Control of Your Pelvic Health Before It Gets Worse – Contact the Best Prolapse Surgeon in Melbourne

Your desk job doesn’t have to mean living with a pelvic floor problem. Understanding the risks and being proactive about prevention can help you avoid complications down the track. If you’re already noticing symptoms or simply want to protect your long-term health, book a consultation with the best prolapse surgeon in Melbourne or speak to a pelvic floor specialist today. By making small changes to how you work—and getting the right support—you can reduce your risk of prolapse, improve core strength, and keep your pelvic floor healthy for years to come.