There are four FAQ regarding the pelvic floor that will be discussed in this article. The pelvic floor is one of the most essential areas of your body but some of it’s functions are still a mystery to many women and men. Women and men have a pelvic floor with similar muscles and anatomy with a few obvious differences. For the purposes of this article the focus though will be primarily on how the pelvic floor functions in women. Your pelvic floor is responsible for ensuring several body functions, including those related to the bowel and bladder function properly.
One of the more common conditions associated with the pelvic floor, urinary incontinence, can occur at any age. Because of this, taking time to learn more about your pelvic floor is beneficial.
FAQ No. 1: What Is The Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and tendons located between the pubic bone in front and the tailbone in the back of the body at the bottom of the torso.
The muscles that make up the pelvic floor support several key organs, primarily, the uterus, bowel, and bladder. The muscles support these organs and help to maintain their proper position as needed to maintain the basic function of these organs.
FAQ No. 2: Why Is Pelvic Floor Health Important?
Pelvic Floor Health is essential to the health of the organs it supports.
Healthy pelvic floors prevent incontinence of both the bowel and the bladder. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. Bowel incontinence is the involuntary leakage of fecal matter. Strong pelvic floor muscles help to keep the organs on place, preventing pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is defined as when 1 or more of the organs of the pelvic floor fall from their normal positions. Lastly, the pelvic floor plays a role in sexual function.
When there is either weakness or tight pelvic floor muscles they are unable to effectively function.
FAQ No. 3: When Should I Start Worrying About My Pelvic Floor’s Health?
Hopefully you will never have to worry about your pelvic floor. You do have to be aware of what it does and what to do if you notice any problems with your bowel, bladder, or sexual function. The pelvic floor can become weakened in women due to age, childbirth or pregnancy. It can also be weakened by high-impact exercises and lifting weights or due to a medical condition. If you notice and bladder or bowel leaks, urinary frequency or pain, you should seek help to ensure that all is working normally. Ideally, you should pay attention to pelvic floor health and seek a professional if you are concerned.
FAQ No. 4: How Can Pelvic Floor Health Be Improved?
Your pelvic floor health can be improved in several ways. Most experts recommend Kegel exercises and pelvic health physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic muscles if you have bladder or bowel leakage. Additionally when pain in the pelvic region is present a pelvic health professional may be helpful in conjunction with your treatments from your physician. Pelvic floor health can definitely be improved when working with the right professional.
If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence symptoms due to a weak pelvic floor and want to learn more, you can reach out to her HERE link**
Dr. Shelia Whiteman is a physical therapist and health coach was helps women reduce and eliminate bladder leaks. For a free presentation on bladder leaks go to ( add link)
Dr. Shelia Craig Whiteman DPT, CLT is a doctor of physical therapy and a health coach. While practicing physical therapy, she specialized in pelvic health, lymphedema, and oncology. As a health coach, Dr. Shelia is particularly passionate about helping women to reduce and stop bladder leaks.
She is the best-selling author of “To Pee or Not To Pee?” The Guide for Reducing and Eliminating Urinary Incontinence. Her second book, Stop Worrying About Bladder Leaks, further explains how and why bladder leaks can happen. As an advocate for health and wellness, she participates in several educational presentations and volunteer activities in her community.
Dr. Shelia is a certified fitness instructor and has taught fitness and pilates classes over the past 20 years. She lives with her family in Mitchellville, Maryland.
Watch Dr. Shelia’s video on Bladder Leaks here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdugElo7gS4