Discomfort During Sit-Ups
I’m a 19-year-old, standing at 5'5" and weighing 188 lbs. I identify as multiracial and experience stress incontinence, though I’m not currently taking medication for it, and I live in the United States. Recently, I've been focusing on strengthening my core, but I've encountered significant pain while performing sit-ups. The discomfort is localized and feels sharp in my vaginal area, especially as I rise up—similar to the sensation of inserting a tampon incorrectly, but even more intense. Additionally, I often feel a strong urge to urinate during the exercise, and there are times when I can't hold it in. Despite having a history of stress incontinence due to a weakened pelvic floor, I do not experience this issue with other core workouts.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 2:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address your pain during sit-ups, as the discomfort you're experiencing in your vaginal area may be related to several underlying issues, particularly given your history of stress incontinence and pelvic floor weakness.
Main Points:
- Pain during sit-ups may indicate pelvic floor tension or an improper technique.
- The urge to urinate and incontinence suggests your pelvic floor muscles may need strengthening.
- Modifying your exercises could alleviate this discomfort and help improve your core strength.
Explanation: The sharp pain you feel during sit-ups, especially in the vaginal area, could be due to strain on the pelvic floor muscles, which can be aggravated by certain core exercises. Since you noted that other core workouts do not cause this issue, it's possible that the specific motion of a sit-up places excessive stress on the pelvic floor.
Additionally, the urge to urinate during these exercises is linked to stress incontinence, where pressure on the bladder increases due to abdominal engagement. Strengthening these muscles through appropriate exercises can help improve this condition.
Next Steps:
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Modify Your Core Workouts: Replace traditional sit-ups with gentler alternatives that do not strain the pelvic floor. Consider exercises like modified planks, pelvic tilts, and bridges. These can strengthen your core without triggering pain.
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Focus on Pelvic Floor Exercises: Incorporate Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. To perform a Kegel, tighten the muscles you would use to stop urination, hold for 5 seconds, and then release. Aim for a set of 10 repetitions, three times a day.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and note any changes in intensity or frequency of the pain and urge to urinate. This can help identify patterns and assess if certain movements or exercises exacerbate your situation.
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Stay Hydrated and Manage Urge: Drinking enough water throughout the day can help manage incontinence. Avoid consuming caffeine or bladder irritants before exercising.
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Seek Guidance: If discomfort persists or worsens, consider consulting a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health. They can provide personalized exercises and strategies to strengthen your pelvic floor and core effectively.
Being mindful of your body and making these gradual adjustments can help you engage in a balanced workout routine without pain. Remember, it's okay to prioritize how your body feels during exercises.
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