Pelvic Floor: Why is it important to maintain strength?

Did you know that childbirth and age can affect the strength of our pelvic floor? This means it is important to work on keeping these muscles strong, so we can help to support our spine and abdominal muscles. By strengthening the pelvic floor, we can help to reduce prolapses of the pelvic area such as the uterus. Therefore, it is beneficial to keep the pelvic floor strong and supported through pelvic exercises.

What are pelvic floor muscles??

The pelvic floor consists of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles stretch from the tailbone to pubic bone (front to back), and from one sitting bone to another sitting bone. Essentially, these muscles help to support the control over the bladder, which provides control over our bowel movements. When these muscles become weak, other organs that rely on this strength start to lose control. It is important to note, that the pelvic floor muscles also work with abdominal and back muscles to stabilize the spine.

In addition, our pelvic muscles are important for sexual function, as well as pregnancy and birthing.

Pelvic floor muscles also play an important role in sexual function. Strengthening these muscles can reduce pelvic pain during sex and increase the ability of achieving pleasurable sensations.

During pregnancy, pelvic floor muscles support the baby and assist in the birthing process. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken, and so can other factors like age, obesity, heavy lifting, and chronic coughing.

Pelvic floor muscle training is a proven conservative treatment or preventive for pelvic organ prolapse. Research reports this practice reduced the frequency and severity of symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.

What exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor?