The pelvic floor refers to the muscles located between the tailbone and pubic bone in a persons pelvis. They support the bowel and bladder (and the uterus and vagina in females). Muscular bands (called sphincters) encircle the urethra, anus and vagina as they pass through the pelvis. When these pelvic floor muscles are tightened the internal organs are lifted thus tightening the openings of the urethra, anus and vagina. When the pelvic floor muscles are relaxed it allows the passage of urine and faeces.
When a person has a weak pelvic floor it means that the muscles noted above are weakened and the organs located their lack support which may cause a person to lose control of passing urine or faeces. The causes of a weak pelvic floor can include childbirth, pregnancy, male prostate cancer treatments, obesity or as a result of straining when suffering chronic constipation.
Symptoms that are caused by a weakened pelvic floor can include:
• Urinary discharge when sneezing, coughing, running or laughing
• Inability to get to the toilet in time
• Passing wind from the anus or vagina when lifting or bending over
• Reduced vaginal sensation
• Tampons that dislodge or fall from the vagina
• A visible bulge at the opening of the vagina or a heavy sensation at the vagina
Loss of control of the bladder is a common symptom and some people also experience anal incontinence. The condition can also cause loss of vaginal sensation during sex. In extreme cases, the internal organs supported by the pelvic muscles (bladder and urethra) can slide down into the vagina in a condition called a prolapse – a bulge in the vagina and deep vaginal pain are indications of this.
There are exercise that can help improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. A person can do these exercises either lying down, standing or sitting. To gain maximum benefit the exercises should be performed five or six times a day until they become familiar after which two or three times a day will suffice. When performing the exercise the abdomen should be relaxed. A person then gradually lifts and squeezes their pelvic muscles as if there are controlling the flow of urine or preventing wind escaping. Next they should gently and slowly release the muscles after 10 seconds or so. The exercise should be repeated after a brief pause to relax for 10 or so repetitions. It is important to perform these exercises correctly and checking with a doctor or physiotherapist to ensure this is advised.
