Women and men of all ages may experience problems with the bladder, bowel or sexual health. These problems could be arising from a dysfunctional pelvic floor.
What are the pelvic floor muscles?
These are a layer of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis that have a role in supporting the pelvic organs and control bladder and bowel function. When the tone of these muscles is adequate they also help with sexual function and satisfaction.
What causes a weak pelvic floor?
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Surgery to the prostate/pelvic surgery
- Conditions that cause the person to have a persistent cough
- Obesity
- Constipation and persistent straining to empty bowels
- Menopausal changes
- High impact sports and heavy lifting
What are the symptoms of a weak pelvic floor?
- Urinary leakage on cough, sneeze, laugh, lift
- Not being able to get the toilet on time
- Difficulty to empty the bladder or bowel
- Loss of sexual satisfaction
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining erection
Pelvic floor training
Pelvic floor exercises are the ideal way to train control of your bladder and bowel. When training, imagine you are trying to stop yourself from passing wind and at the same time sopping yourself from passing urine. The exercise feels like a squeeze and lift sensation. A women’s health physiotherapist can assess and give you a personalized exercise programme to be done daily.
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