When introducing 1 Below to people, the first question I get is, 'below what?'
Well, let me explain...
If you were confiding in a friend that you had problems with peeing, pooping or sex, you might say- I'm having problems 'down there' or 'downstairs'
Now, the phrase 'down there' or 'downstairs' connotes:
1) a lower location
2) a sense of mystery, vagueness, and maybe even a bit of shame
I mean, anatomically, the pelvic floor region is named after the Latin word pudendus, meaning shameful (1).
...the pelvic floor region is named after the Latin word pudendus, meaning shameful (1).
Something meaningful
So, as a pelvic floor expert, I wanted to dispel the taboo and myths surrounding the pelvic floor, and shed light on what is actually happening 'downstairs'. I wanted to provide accurate information- because quality pelvic health education improves the day-to-day lives of women (2). Also, when women are empowered with knowledge about their bodies, that information spreads to their friends, partners, and children. This could create a paradigm shift, starting a #pelvicrevolution.
Something Catchy
With this grand purpose in mind, all I needed was a name, something catchy, memorable and associated with the 'downstairs'. So, as a play on words I thought- in order to get downstairs you must go one floor below- that's catchy right?
And hence,1 Below was born with the mission to:
Empower women by providing accessible and accurate pelvic health education- revolutionizing the way we understand and treat our bodies.
Something together
I'm excited for 1 Below to join the #pelvicrevolution with other pelvic floor educators and clinicians. Together we can help women turn on the light to discover what's really going on 'downstairs'.
Picture explanation: all these seemingly scary monsters in the dark [insert fears about the pelvic floor] are actually quite friendly when illuminated [insert education about the pelvic floor].
Also, it's a funny meme and laughter is good for your pelvic floor.
share Something
Is there something you think that is missing in pelvic floor education? I'd love to hear your ideas!
References:
(1) Neumann, P. E. (2021). Rules of nomenclature versus principles of revision: An impudent debate. Clinical Anatomy, 34(2), 312–314. doi:10.1002/ca.23705 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ca.23705
(2) Fernandes ACNL, Palacios-Ceña D, Hay-Smith J, Pena CC, Sidou MF, de Alencar AL, Ferreira CHJ. Women report sustained benefits from attending group-based education about pelvic floor muscles: a longitudinal qualitative study. J Physiother. 2021 Jul;67(3):210-216. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2021.06.010. Epub 2021 Jun 17. PMID: 34147398.
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