Founder's Perspective: What I Wish I’d Known Earlier About Pelvic Support
When my pelvic symptoms first showed up, I felt scared, confused, and very alone. I didn’t even have the language to describe what was happening in my own body, let alone know where to turn for help.
Looking back now—as someone who lives with pelvic organ prolapse and founded Hem Support Wear—I can see so many things I wish I’d known earlier about pelvic support. If you’re just starting this journey, or you’ve been white‑knuckling your way through symptoms for a while, I wrote this for you.
My hope is that you walk away feeling less alone, more informed, and more confident advocating for the care and comfort you deserve.
1. There Are More Options for Immediate Relief Than I Realized
Initially, I thought my only choices were “do nothing” or “have surgery.” No one explained that there are multiple ways to support the pelvis and manage symptoms right now, even while you’re still figuring out your long‑term plan.
Two big categories made a difference for me:
- External support – Garments and braces designed for pelvic support can help lift and support the pelvic area from the outside. Many people find that the right support garment makes walking, standing, lifting kids, exercising, or getting through a workday feel more manageable.
- Internal support – Devices like pessaries, fit by a trained healthcare provider, can provide internal support for some types of prolapse. For many, they become a helpful tool to reduce heaviness or bulging sensations in daily life.
Not every option is right for every body, and that’s okay. What I wish I’d heard earlier is: you are allowed to explore tools that give you comfort now, even while you and your provider are figuring out the bigger picture.
If you’re curious about what external support can feel like, consider exploring Hem's pelvic support underwear.
2. There Really Are People Who Want to Help (Even If It Takes Time to Find Them)
When I first started looking for help, it felt like shouting into the void. I didn’t know which type of provider to see, how to talk about my symptoms, or how to tell if someone truly understood pelvic health.
Over time, I learned there are people who genuinely want to help:
- Pelvic floor physical therapists.
- Urogynecologists and OB‑GYNs with pelvic floor experience.
- Nurses, midwives, and other clinicians who take your concerns seriously.
- Community spaces—both in‑person and online—where people talk honestly about pelvic health.
Getting connected to the right support can take energy you don’t always feel like you have. But when you find someone who listens, validates your symptoms, and works with you, it is absolutely worth it.
3. It’s Okay That There’s Conflicting Information—Your Body Still Gets a Vote
If you’ve ever Googled your symptoms or scrolled social media for pelvic health tips, you know how conflicting the advice can be. One person says “never do this exercise,” another says “it’s totally fine.” One blog swears by a certain device; another warns against it.
What I wish I’d known earlier is that your body and your instincts matter just as much as the information you’re taking in.
You’re allowed to:
- Ask, “Does this make sense for me and my life?”
- Notice how your body responds to a suggestion, exercise, or tool.
- Change your mind if something that sounded great on paper doesn’t feel right in practice.
- Seek a second (or third) opinion if you feel dismissed or rushed.
Conflicting information doesn’t mean there’s no truth. It means bodies are different, research is evolving, and your lived experience belongs in the conversation.
4. Your Needs Will Change Over Time—and That’s Normal
When I first started using pelvic support, I naively thought I would find one “perfect setup” and be done. Instead, I discovered that my needs shift over time, depending on:
- Life stage (postpartum, perimenopause, aging).
- Activity level (heavy lifting, long days on my feet, travel).
- Menstrual cycle.
- Stress, sleep, and hormones.
That’s one of the reasons we created the Pelvic Health Symptom Tracker at Hem Support Wear. It’s a simple way to:
- Gently check in with your symptoms.
- Notice patterns over weeks or months.
- Bring clearer information to your healthcare appointments.
You don’t need to track obsessively. In fact, I recommend the opposite: check in periodically—maybe once a month or every few months—and use it as a tool to get curious about what supports you best right now.
5. Things Can Improve, Even If “Perfect” Isn’t the Goal
One of the most discouraging beliefs I carried early on was, “If I can’t be completely symptom‑free, what’s the point?” No one told me that improvement could look like:
- Being able to walk farther without heaviness.
- Getting through a shift at work with less discomfort.
- Enjoying playtime with your kids or grandkids with more ease.
- Feeling less anxious because you understand what’s happening in your body.
For many people, a combination of support garments, pelvic floor therapy, activity modifications, and medical options can move life from “barely coping” to “this feels livable again.” Some people do become mostly or fully symptom‑free; others still notice their symptoms but feel much more in control.
Both outcomes are valid. The goal is not perfection—it’s a quality of life that feels good and sustainable to you.
And if you need a reminder that improvement is possible even when the path isn’t perfectly linear, read our Hem Spotlight featuring Dr. Beth Olson, a pelvic floor PT, prolapse patient, and runner who shares how she navigated prolapse from both sides of the table and returned to movement with confidence.
6. Knowledge Is Power—and You’re Allowed to Advocate for Yourself
The more I learned about basic pelvic anatomy, prolapse, and treatment options, the less scared I felt. Knowledge didn’t make everything easy, but it gave me words, questions, and a sense of control.
You are absolutely allowed to:
- Ask your provider to explain things in plain language.
- Bring notes or a symptom tracker to appointments.
- Say, “I’m not comfortable with that yet. What are my other options?”
- Request a referral to a specialist or pelvic floor physical therapist.
- Take time to think before making a decision.
Advocating for yourself isn’t being “difficult.” It’s honoring your body and your life. You deserve a care team that respects your questions and collaborates with you.
At Hem Support Wear, our mission is to stand alongside you in that advocacy—to offer pelvic support options, education, and tools like our Pelvic Health Symptom Tracker so you feel less alone in the process.
Key Takeaways I Hope You Carry With You
- There are multiple pelvic support options—external garments and internal tools like pessaries—that can offer real relief.
- The right helpers exist. It may take time and effort to find them, but it’s worth it. Our pelvic health directory is a great place to find pelvic floor communities, trusted resources, and physical therapists support women through every stage of life—so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
- Conflicting information is normal; your body and instincts still matter.
- Your needs will change, and that’s okay. Gentle tracking can help you notice what supports you best.
- Meaningful improvement is possible, even if “perfect” isn’t the goal.
- Knowledge truly is power, and you are allowed to advocate for the care you deserve.
You are not alone in this. You deserve comfort, clarity, and support that fits your life.
About the Hem Support Wear Team
Meet Cristin, Lauren, and Alexa: a small, mission-driven team passionate about helping women feel supported, seen, and strong—especially when it comes to pelvic health. Hem Support Wear was founded by Lauren Fleming, whose personal journey with prolapse sparked a mission to make healing feel less lonely and a whole lot more empowering.
**Medical Disclaimer: This post is intended to provide information and resources only. This post or any of the information contained within should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your healthcare, conditions, and recommended treatment.
