What Does The Pelvic Floor Do?

Anatomy

The Pelvic floor is a collection of tissues that span the opening of the base of the pelvis from the tail bone to the pubic bone and out to the sit bones and groin area. Our breathing muscle (the diaphragm) our lower abdominal muscles (transverse abdominus) and our spinal muscles (multifidisu) all work together. Therefore treatment of pelvis pain or pelvic floor dysfunction often include breath work and precise positioning of the pelvis to allow for all the muscles to work together.

Toileting

The fascia and muscles of the pelvic floor play an essential role in the emptying of the bladder and bowels, so we can pee and poop effectively. The pelvic floor also closes the sphincters, which are little muscles that help to close the back passage (rectum) and pee pipe (urethra). This prevents leakage of pee or poo.

Pelvic Stability

The pelvic floor also provides core stability by working the lower abdominal muscles, spinal stability muscles and muscles for breathing (diaphragm).

Many women suffer with pelvic pain during and after pregnancy and rehabilitation of this group of muscles is necessary.

Organ Support

The pelvic floor helps to support the organs in our pelvis including the bowel and the bladder. Weakness of the pelvic floor or trauma during childbirth can cause prolapse – patients can feel pressure down below and sometimes a high grade prolapse is visible – hanging outside the vagina or rectum.

Sexual Arousal

It is reported up to 75% of women do not reach orgasm through sexual intercourse alone and 15% of women have never experienced an orgasm. We can be pretty sure this is not the same statistic for our male counterparts! This is often due to a psychological and emotional disconnect from our brain to our lovely vaginas. Many women do not like their vagina or feel uncomfortable during sexual interactions with another person.

If women experience pain during intercourse or have leakage issues, this emotional disconnect can create a major barrier to arousal or enjoyment during sexual interactions. Fixing the problems with your pelvic floor and taking time to create a psychological and therefore, neurological connection to the pelvic floor can have significant benefits during bedroom activities.

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