House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

The pelvic floor, attached to the tail- and pubic-bone, is an important part of the human body. It supports the urinary and reproductive tracts and helps control the bladder and bowels. However, these pelvic muscles may become weak or unbalanced over time, through trauma, or post-surgically, and not work the way they are expected to, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).

Any individual can potentially develop PFD, especially those post proctectomy surgery or postpartum. Individuals with PFD may have trouble controlling their bladder or bowels, experience pain during intercourse, or struggle with constipation. Without treatment, PFD may lead to long-lasting health issues such as colon damage or infection.

For many, it’s an embarrassing condition and has wide-ranging impacts on physical and mental health. Those with PVD may feel unable to work, exercise, or do typical daily activities without embarrassment, fear, or pain.

Pelvic floor therapy is an extremely useful tool to help those experiencing problems with their pelvic floor. Experts recommend that treatment start as soon as symptoms are noticed. Unfortunately, lack of insurance coverage for therapy and lack of knowledge on pelvic floor problems are often cited as barriers to treatment.

For these reasons, I am introducing a bill package to provide better access to treatment for pelvic floor problems. The first bill will require insurance companies to cover pelvic floor therapy for the treatment of problems associated with the pelvic floor, like PFD. The second bill will require the Department of Health to partner with health centers to educate people on the prevalence of pelvic floor problems that may develop throughout their lifetime.

Please join me in co-sponsoring these important bills to support pelvic floor health for all Pennsylvanians.