What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor the collection of muscles and connective tissue that make up the floor of the pelvis.
The muscular component stretches like a sling from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back and consists of a deep layer and a superficial layer.
What do the pelvic floor muscles do?
1. Upwards support for the pelvic organs i.e. bladder, uterus and bowel
2. Maintain bladder and bowel control
3. Play a role in sexual sensation and function
4. Work with the deep abdominal, back muscles and diaphragm to support your spine. All these muscles together make up the ‘core’.
A weakened or dysfunctional pelvic floor is a serious condition for both women and men, and can impact one’s wellbeing and quality of life in numerous ways.
Disorders associated with Pelvic Floor dysfunction:
- Incontinence
- Urgency
- Vaginal prolapse
- Vulvodynia (pain and tenderness in the vulva)
- Vaginismus
Symptoms:
- Perineal pain and discomfort
- Pain associated with sexual intercourse
- Vaginal heaviness or bulging sensation
- Loss of bladder control
- Constipation
- Difficulty with emptying bladder and bowel
- Increased frequency of urination during the day or night or both
- Potentially associated pelvic or lower back pain
What treatments can assist with this issue?