Where is your pelvic floor and why is it so important?
A question that is often asked, but many women don’t quite know how to answer correctly. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissue at the bottom of your pelvis. You can think of it as a sort of hammock that stretches from your pubic bone at the front, to your tailbone at the back, and to your sit bones on the sides. These muscles play a crucial role in your daily health and wellbeing.
Functions of the pelvic floor
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Support for organs: The pelvic floor supports your bladder, intestines, and in women, also the uterus. A well-functioning pelvic floor prevents these organs from prolapsing.
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Control over urine and stool: The pelvic floor muscles help you hold in urine and stool until you go to the toilet. They automatically tighten when you cough or sneeze to prevent unwanted leakage.
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Relaxation for urination, bowel movements, and sex: In addition to tightening, the pelvic floor muscles also need to be able to relax. This is essential for smooth bowel movements, urination, and enjoyable sexual experiences.
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Stability of the pelvis and torso: The pelvic floor is part of your ‘core’ and helps maintain stable posture and movement.
Why is it important to support your pelvic floor? When the pelvic floor is too weak or too tense, complaints can arise such as:
- Urine leakage or difficulty holding stool
- Lower back or pelvic pain
- Problems with sexual experiences
- Prolapse of the bladder, intestines, or uterus
Multiple complaints are possible
By doing specific exercises, you can train your pelvic floor muscles and prevent or reduce complaints. It is recommended to consult a pelvic physiotherapist if symptoms persist.
Sources
- Profundum Institute
- Bevallen & Door
- The Gynecologist
