Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor consists of the muscles levator ani and the coccygeus and also connective tissue which covers the area beneath the pelvis. Muscular sphincters surround the vagina, urethra and the anus as they pass through the pelvic floor. When the muscles of the pelvic floor are contracted then the internal organs are lifted as well as the sphincters tightening.

When the pelvic floor is weak, then the internal organs may not be supported fully and control of urine can become an issue. Pelvic floor exercises improve the muscular tone and can prevent the requirement for any corrective surgery.

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There are a number of causal factors that can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor. These include:

• pregnancy - weight of the uterus
• vaginal childbirth overstretching the pelvic floor muscles
• constipation and straining
• carrying excess weight
• heavy lifting
• lower oestrogen levels after menopause

There are numerous potential consequences of a weakened pelvic floor. The most significant of these are:

• leaking small amounts of urine when sneezing, coughing or even laughing.
• being unable to control breaking wind from either anus or vagina when undertaking activities such as bending or lifting.
• reduced vaginal sensation/impact on sexual pleasure.
• prolapse of the pelvic organs.

Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) are aimed at strengthening the relevant muscles of the pelvic floor. The exercises are best performed after consultation with your health care practitioner as they need to be performed correctly for maximum benefit and to ensure that each of the necessary muscles are being incorporated in the program.

Typically if the exercises are performed at the required frequency then benefits such as reduced urine leakage should occur within a couple of months. Even if there is no apparent improvement from doing the exercises it may well be that at the very least any problems are not getting worse.

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