Pelvic Floor

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that form a sling or hammock-like structure at the bottom of the pelvis. In females, the pelvic floor plays a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles have several important functions:

• Support: The pelvic floor provides support for the pelvic organs and helps maintain their proper position within the pelvis.

• Continence: The muscles of the pelvic floor play a key role in urinary and faecal continence. They help control the release of urine and faeces and contribute to maintaining continence.

• Sexual Function: The pelvic floor is involved in sexual function due to the role it plays in the support of the vagina and contributes to sexual sensation.

• Stability: The pelvic floor muscles contribute to the stability of the pelvis and the spine. They work in conjunction with other core muscles to provide overall stability and support.

• Childbirth: During childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles undergo significant stress. Proper functioning of these muscles is important for the success of labour and delivery, and they may be stretched or damaged during the process.

Pelvic floor exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing these muscles, are often recommended to help strengthen the pelvic floor and maintain its function. Maintaining a healthy pelvic floor is important for overall pelvic health, especially during pregnancy, childbirth, and as women age. If there are concerns or issues related to the pelvic floor, consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a pelvic floor physical therapist or gynaecologist, is advisable for proper evaluation and guidance.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a condition where the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakened, tight, or impaired in some way, leading to problems with bowel, bladder, and sexual function, as well as pelvic pain. The pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus (in women), and rectum, and play a crucial role in controlling bowel and bladder function.

There are two main types of pelvic floor dysfunction:

• Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity or Tightness
  This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are overly tight or tense. Symptoms may include:

• Pelvic pain or discomfort

• Painful urination or bowel movements

• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Lower back pain

• Muscle spasms in the pelvic area

• Pelvic Floor Weakness or Hypotonicity
  This happens when the pelvic floor muscles are weak or have poor coordination. Symptoms can include:

• Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)

• Fecal incontinence (leaking stool)

• Frequent need to urinate

• Difficulty controlling bowel movements

• Pelvic organ prolapse (when pelvic organs drop from their normal position)

Causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can vary and may include:

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: Carrying the weight of a growing foetus and childbirth can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles.

• Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles.

• Pelvic Surgery: Surgeries in the pelvic area can sometimes lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Chronic Coughing: Conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis that cause frequent coughing can strain the pelvic floor muscles.

• Aging: Natural aging can lead to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.

• Trauma or Injury: Accidents or injuries that affect the pelvic area can cause pelvic floor dysfunction.

Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction often involves a combination of:

• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can teach exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, improve muscle coordination, and alleviate symptoms.

• Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to relax the pelvic floor muscles or treat associated symptoms like urinary incontinence.

• Behavioral Changes: Making lifestyle changes such as improving bowel habits, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can help manage pelvic floor dysfunction.

If someone suspects they have pelvic floor dysfunction, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider, preferably a specialist in pelvic floor disorders, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.