Know your Pelvic floor !


The pelvic floor is often misunderstood, and the term itself may seem unfamiliar to many. Your pelvic floor muscles span the base of your pelvis like a hammock, providing crucial support for your uterus, bladder, and bowel.

A helpful way to picture the pelvic floor is to compare it to building a house. Just as a solid foundation is essential for a stable home, strong pelvic floor muscles form the foundation for your torso. When these muscles are compromised, the stability of the body is affected.

The pelvic floor muscles serve three main functions:

  • Providing stability and support to your abdominal and pelvic organs
  • Contributing to sexual function
  • Maintaining control over bowel and bladder function

Understanding your pelvic floor can give you insight into your overall condition. These muscles form a dome-like system composed of muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and other structures, which can be divided into three layers:

  • Layer 1 is the outermost layer, containing superficial muscles.
  • Layer 2 is the middle layer, with muscles that work as sphincters around the urethra, vagina, and anus. These muscles play a vital role in holding in urine and stool and supporting sexual function.
  • Layer 3 is the deepest layer, consisting of broad muscles that provide structural support to the pelvis, abdominal organs, and trunk during movement and aid in breathing.

A well-functioning pelvic floor should be able to contract, relax, and lengthen as needed, both voluntarily and involuntarily. Dysfunction occurs when the muscles cannot perform these tasks effectively.

  • Underactive pelvic floor muscles are too relaxed, which can cause urine leakage, stool leakage, and pelvic organ prolapse.
  • Overactive pelvic floor muscles remain tense, leading to bladder and bowel urgency, incomplete emptying, straining during bowel movements, constipation, slow urine flow, and painful intercourse.

Pelvic floor issues are common, but treatment options are available to improve symptoms, such as pelvic floor therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medications. The appropriate treatment will depend on the specific condition and symptoms.

Strengthening the function of your pelvic floor can significantly improve your overall health and well-being. If you have concerns or questions, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.