Understanding Pelvic Floor Muscles
The pelvic floor muscles are a crucial group of muscles that support the pelvic organs. In men, they support the bladder and bowel, while in women, they provide support to the bladder, bowel, and uterus.
What Are the Pelvic Floor Muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the tailbone (coccyx) to the pubic bone, forming a supportive layer across the pelvic region. These muscles play a vital role in controlling the bladder and bowel functions.
Role of Pelvic Floor Muscles
Firm and supportive pelvic floor muscles help:
- Support the bladder, womb (in women), and bowel
- Control the opening of the bladder outlet and the back passage
- Prevent urine leakage and control the passage of wind or faeces
When functioning properly, the pelvic floor muscles relax when you pass urine or have a bowel movement and tighten afterward to restore control. These muscles also contract during actions like laughing, coughing, lifting, or sneezing to prevent leakage.
Sexual Function and Pelvic Floor Muscles
Your pelvic floor muscles also play a key role in sexual function for both men and women. Strengthening these muscles can enhance sexual awareness and satisfaction for both you and your partner during intercourse.
Causes of Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles
There are several factors that can lead to weakened pelvic floor muscles. These include:
- Chronic straining to have a bowel movement
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic cough from smoking or health issues
- Heavy lifting
- High-impact exercise
- Nerve damage post-surgery
- Age
- Overweight or obesity
- Pregnancy and childbirth
How Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles Affect Urinary Incontinence
Weakened pelvic floor muscles are a leading cause of urinary incontinence. Strengthening these muscles through targeted exercises like Kegels can help prevent or reduce symptoms of incontinence, improving your quality of life.
Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance.
Resources:
- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pelvicfloor/conditioninfo/causes
- https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises/#:~:text=To%20strengthen%20your%20pelvic%20floor,squeeze%20for%20a%20few%20seconds.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14459-pelvic-floor-dysfunction
