Women are always told to do their pelvic floor exercises religiously.
However, when I ask my female patients if they do their pelvic floor exercises, most have heard that they should be doing them, but they are unsure whether they are doing them correctly or would like more information how to do them.
When I ask my male patients, they are far less informed about the pelvic floor, even though it is very important for them too.
So what is the pelvic floor and what does it do?
The pelvic floor is a muscle that forms a broad sling in your pelvis.
The function of the pelvic floor muscles are:
· To support the pelvic organs (eg. Bladder, uterus, rectum)
· To control the outlets ie. Urethra, vagina, anus.
· Sexual function
Our pelvic floor muscles can become weaker due to lack of exercise, the menopause, as a result of chronic constipation or a chronic cough, being overweight, persistent heavy lifting, pregnancy and childbirth.
Weak muscles give you less control and you may leak urine (urinary incontinence) especially with exercise or when you cough, sneeze or laugh. It can also give you reduced sensitivity during sex or may contribute to difficulty controlling wind and bowel function.
Pelvic floor exercises can improve this condition. Like any other muscles in the body, the more you use and exercise them, the stronger the pelvic floor will be.
A physiotherapist can teach you how to activate your pelvic floor correctly, and teach you a program that builds endurance of the muscle and helps them react more quickly when, for example, you sneeze or cough. They can also provide tips and advice on lifestyle changes that will help with the condition.
So, women AND men – you don’t have to accept problems arising from the issues with weakened pelvic floor muscles!!
Sites worth checking out:
http://www.womhealth.org.au/factsheets/urinaryincontinence.htm
Image 1 from: Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image 2 from: Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image 3 from: Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
