Yes, everyone has a pelvic floor, including men. What is the pelvic floor and what does it do for you? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the lower region (“floor”) of the pelvis. Muscles of the female pelvic floor consist of the bulbocavernosus, ischiocavernosus, external anal sphincter, superficial transverse perineal, iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, puborectalis, ischiococcygeus, and pubovaginalis. Obturator internus and piriformis muscles aid in supporting the pelvic floor as well. These muscles provide a hammock-like support system, stretching from the anterior pubic bone to the posterior coccyx bone and to both the left and right sides of the pelvis. The pelvic floor helps to support the uterus, cervix, bladder, urethra anus and vagina, bladder and bowel function, sexual function, and assists with reducing organ prolapse.
How do you know if your pelvic floor is not functioning optimally? Symptoms may include but are not limited to incontinence, urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, lifting, exercising, and/or laughing. Bowel and bladder function may become painful or labored, or you are unable to completely empty during urination or defecation. Some individuals may have difficulty reaching climax during physical intimacy and/or there is pain and discomfort with initial and deeper penetration. You may also experience prolapse of one or more of the organs supported by the pelvic floor. If any of these symptoms are noticed or are becoming problematic, it may be time to seek out your nearest pelvic floor specialist for a consultation.
It is important to keep in mind that inadequate pelvic floor function could be linked to more than one problem area. Before participating in any exercises or stretching activities, please seek guidance from a trained professional who specializes in pelvic floor therapy. The information provided is a basic description of the pelvic floor and should not be used to diagnose or treat pelvic floor concerns.
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