Pelvic floor and its neglect.

[Uchi]

The pelvic floor is a set of muscles and tissues at the base of the pelvis that supports organs like the bladder and bowel and the uterus/prostate, maintains continence, and aids with sexual function.

Nowadays dysfunction of the pelvic floor is a very common issue. It is a very common yet neglected issue. The dysfunction of the pelvic floor is caused by pregnancy, childbirth, or aging, which leads to incontinence, pelvic floor, and organ prolapse.

• The bottom of the pelvic floor cavity consists of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles.
• The levator ani muscle forms the bulk of pelvic floor muscles; it consists of three separate muscles, namely, pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus. Whereas the coccygeus is a smaller muscle located at the back of the pelvis.
• Pelvic floor muscles are considered part of your core muscles along with abdominal, back, and diaphragm muscles.
• Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to conditions like: Fecal incontinence (uncontrollably leaking poop) and flatulence incontinence (inability to control when you fart) Pelvic organ prolapse (one or more of your pelvic organs sags), sexual dysfunction (like decreased sensitivity and erectile dysfunction), Urinary incontinence (uncontrollably leaking pee)
• Tight pelvic floor muscles are called hypertonic pelvic floor. Although much research hasn’t been done, researchers say that a tight pelvic floor might lead to issues like back, hip, or leg pain; constipation or difficulty in pooping; difficulty in peeing; painful sex; and pelvic pain.

Hence, its weakness also causes body weakness and disturbance with body mechanics.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is required to stretch, relax, and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and thereby strengthen the core of the body. A specialized branch of physiotherapy called physiotherapy in women’s health deals with and helps with the issues of pelvic floor.

What are your thoughts about pelvic floor rehabilitation? Do you think it is necessary? Have you ever referred anyone or tried it yourself for pelvic floor rehab?

MBH/PS

[Shalom123]

Yes, I think lower body should be trained to increase its strength.

Pelvic floor muscles and overall lower body supports entire weight of the body. Maintaining great pelvic health decreases chances of future immobility.

[Uchi]

Yes, exactly. Training the pelvic floor is an important part of the body.

[Akshata_12]

Very insightful post pelvic floor health is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in continence, core stability, and overall quality of life.

[Uchi]

Yes, exactly. It is an important part of our core strength and quality of life. Yet it is the most compromised and neglected topic.

[Ishmeet7]

Pelvic floor rehabilitation can play a vital role in women’s health. It can prevent urinary incontinence, improve sexual health, help in post-pregnancy recovery and increase pelvic support during ageing. It is not only a treatment, but also a preventive healthcare strategy for women of all ages.

[Uchi]

Yes, very true. Everyone must take this into consideration.

[DrBhawnaJuneja]

Yes, I think it is necessary and more awareness to be brought around this.