What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a structure composed of muscles, ligaments, and tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis. It provides stabilization for the body in conjunction with the abdominal region and lower extremities.
The pelvic floor muscles are important for urine and fecal control, sexual functions, and the stabilization of the pelvis. These muscles control the organs in the pelvic region (bladder, rectum, reproductive organs) and regulate blood circulation in the area. They also support the body's posture by working with the back and hip muscles.
Proper function of the muscles and connective tissues forming the pelvic floor is crucial for overall health and quality of life. When these functions are inadequate or impaired, issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic abdominal pain can arise. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on pelvic floor health and perform exercises to strengthen these muscles.
What Do Pelvic Floor Muscles Do?
Pelvic floor muscles control the pressure inside the bladder and rectum, performing the function of holding urine and feces. These muscles contract when there is a need to urinate or defecate and facilitate the elimination of waste. Additionally, they contract during sexual intercourse to enhance sexual pleasure and orgasm.
They also contribute to pelvic stabilization by working with the muscles of the lower extremities and the back to support the body's posture. These muscles are important in preventing and treating issues such as lower back pain and pelvic pain.
Maintaining strong and functional pelvic floor muscles is important for overall health and quality of life. However, factors such as aging, pregnancy, childbirth, weight gain, chronic constipation, or chronic coughing can lead to weakening or loss of function in the pelvic floor muscles. Therefore, it is recommended to engage in exercises to strengthen these muscles and prioritize pelvic floor health.
Why Do Pelvic Floor Muscles Weaken?
Pelvic floor muscles can weaken due to various factors, including:
- Aging: As we age, all muscles, including pelvic floor muscles, weaken and lose elasticity. This makes it more difficult for the pelvic floor muscles to function properly and reduces the risk of urinary incontinence.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched and strained due to the growing baby. During childbirth, these muscles may be further stretched or even torn. Thus, weakening and loss of function in the pelvic floor muscles post-delivery is a common issue.
- Weight Gain and Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to muscle weakening and loss of function.
- Inadequate Physical Activity: Regular exercise is important for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. Lack of physical activity can lead to weakening and decreased function of these muscles.
- Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the pelvic floor muscles, which can contribute to muscle weakening and loss of function.
- Chronic Coughing: Chronic coughing can excessively strain and weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Due to these reasons, regular strengthening and improving the function of pelvic floor muscles is essential.
What Issues Can Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles Cause?
Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to several problems, including:
- Urinary Incontinence
- Fecal Incontinence
- Pelvic Pain: This can manifest as painful sexual intercourse, pain, or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic region.
- Sexual Dysfunction: It can reduce sexual pleasure or prolong orgasm.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This can cause pelvic organs to shift or sag, leading to conditions such as bladder, uterus, or rectum prolapse.
How Does the Rehabilitation Process for Pelvic Floor Muscles Work?
The rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles involves the use of specialized exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles and improve their function. The general steps in the rehabilitation process are:
- Assessment: The strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles are evaluated by a doctor using special tests and examinations.
- Exercise Program: A specific exercise program is designed to strengthen and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles. This program includes exercises targeting the muscles at different levels of difficulty.
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique used to measure muscle activity. It helps assess whether the pelvic floor muscles are being used correctly and how strong they are. Biofeedback is used to enhance the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscles.
- Electromyography (EMG): EMG is a technique used to measure the electrical activity of muscles. It helps determine whether the pelvic floor muscles are functioning correctly. EMG is used alongside biofeedback to assist in improving the function of pelvic floor muscles.
- Other Treatments: Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation may be combined with other treatments, such as medication, surgical intervention, or pelvic floor massage.
Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation is a personalized process. Therefore, after evaluation by a doctor, a tailored treatment plan is created. Rehabilitation typically involves regular exercises, biofeedback, and other treatments, and is usually completed successfully.
Spc. Dr. Canan YILDIRIM
