Pelvic floor health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that form a supportive hammock across the base of the pelvis, holding key organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum in place. Maintaining the strength and function of these muscles is essential for women, as it impacts various aspects of health, including urinary and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability.
Understanding the Importance of Pelvic Floor Health
The pelvic floor muscles stretch like a sling from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone at the front. They support the pelvic organs, help control the release of urine, feces, and gas, and play a role in sexual function. In women, these muscles also contribute to childbirth by helping to push the baby out during labor. Because the pelvic floor muscles are involved in many critical functions, maintaining their strength and flexibility is essential for everyday activities and quality of life.
When the pelvic floor muscles weaken, tighten, or become uncoordinated, they can lead to various issues. Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to issues like urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can occur during activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising (stress incontinence), or due to an urgent need to urinate that’s difficult to control (urge incontinence).
Things that can damage the pelvic floor muscles include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Aging
- Obesity
- Chronic coughing
- Heavy lifting
- Certain surgeries
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help prevent or reduce urinary and bowel incontinence, allowing for better control. A healthy pelvic floor can better support the weight of a growing baby and aid in recovery after childbirth. The pelvic floor is a key part of the body’s core, working in tandem with the abdominal and back muscles to provide stability and balance.
Contact Your OBGYN Today
Make sure you understand the importance of a strong pelvic floor! Contact your OBGYN to learn more today.