Despite the impact they can have on quality of life, pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) remain underdiagnosed and underdiscussed. Many people may not recognize the term but experience many of the symptoms such as urinary incontinence, constipation, painful intercourse, or intimacy avoidance.
The pelvic floor consists of a network of 26 muscles that work together to stabilize the core and support the body during urination, bowel movements, and sex. Over the course of a woman’s life, factors like childbirth, aging, and hormonal changes can affect the pelvic floor’s ability to contract and relax properly.
PFDs can occur at any age, affect one in three women, and often influence overall health, quality of life, and workplace productivity. Risk increases with factors such as obesity and, for those who’ve given birth, the method of delivery.
The total cost of an untreated PFD can approach nearly $30,000 per individual, driven by medical expenses, productivity loss, and the downstream impact of delayed or misdirected care. Without access to appropriate support, many women cycle through ineffective treatments, face mounting frustration, and experience strain in both their personal and professional lives.
This isn’t just a women’s health issue — it’s a business issue with measurable impact.
How can employers support women facing pelvic floor disorders?
Traditional health plans often exclude pelvic floor therapy or classify it as “not medically necessary.” As a result, an estimated 80% of pelvic floor physical therapists work out-of-network. This leads to affordability barriers, leaving many women without access to care that could significantly improve their well-being and productivity. This gap represents a missed opportunity — evidence shows that early, targeted pelvic floor therapy can lead to a 59% success rate and average cost savings of up to $3,000 per individual.
Progyny is closing this gap by enhancing its network and coaching services with pelvic floor therapists to provide expanded access to both in-person and virtual care options. Members receive personalized treatment plans and access to a nationwide network of pelvic floor therapists in all 50 states. Whether someone is pregnant, postpartum, menopausal, or simply seeking relief, this benefit meets them where they are with the support they need. Through this integrated and multi-pronged approach, members will benefit from earlier interventions for pelvic conditions, reducing fragmentation, and helping avoid delays that could lead to higher acuity treatments, surgeries, or increased healthcare costs for employers.
“This is another moment when Progyny is stepping up to help women identify and seek care for basic health needs that are going undiagnosed and untreated due to lack of education, lack of care access, and lack of the right benefits coverage. By enabling access to specialty trained providers and offering educational support tools through a cost effective and comprehensive benefit, we are providing impactful clinical solutions as opposed to a ‘sweep it under the rug’ approach to women’s health.”
Janet Choi, MD, Progyny Chief Medical Officer
The truth is that PFDs are treatable — it’s the cost of ignoring them that’s not. If you’re ready to support your workforce and reduce hidden costs, let’s talk about closing this gap in your health benefits.