What does the pelvic floor do in women?

"Taking care of your pelvic health is an act of self-respect and a vital investment in your overall well-being."

For many women, the pelvic region – encompassing the bladder, bowel, uterus, and supporting structures – can be a source of silent suffering. Issues like urinary leakage, constipation, painful intercourse, or persistent pelvic discomfort are often considered private and, consequently, left unaddressed. However, understanding and prioritizing our pelvic health is fundamental to our physical comfort and quality of life.

Consider the experience of many women who, due to conditions like vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms causing painful penetration), may endure years of discomfort and limitations without seeking help. This reluctance often stems from a lack of awareness, cultural inhibitions, or simply not knowing where to turn for support. Recognizing these challenges is the first step towards empowering ourselves to take proactive steps for our pelvic well-being.

The Foundation of Function: Your Pelvic Floor

At the core of our pelvic health lies the pelvic floor – a group of muscles that acts as a supportive sling for vital organs. These muscles play a crucial role in:

• Continence: Controlling the flow of urine and bowel movements.

• Organ Support: Holding the bladder, bowel, and uterus (if applicable) in their proper positions.

• Sexual Function: Contributing to sensation and the ability to experience orgasm.

• Stability: Supporting the core and contributing to overall body stability.

The Science Behind Pelvic Floor Function and Dysfunction:

• Musculoskeletal System: The pelvic floor muscles are skeletal muscles, meaning they can be consciously contracted and relaxed. Their strength, coordination, and endurance are vital for their functions. Weakness or incoordination can lead to issues like stress urinary incontinence (leakage during activities like coughing or sneezing) or pelvic organ prolapse.

• Nerve Innervation: The pelvic floor muscles are controlled by nerves originating from the sacral region of the spine. Damage or dysfunction in these nerves can impact muscle function and sensation in the pelvic area.

• Hormonal Influences: Fluctuations in hormone levels throughout a woman's life, particularly during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, can significantly affect the strength and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues.

It Is Totally Fine (and Necessary) to Seek Information and Care:

Understanding that pelvic health issues are common and treatable is paramount. We need to move away from the notion that these are just "part of being a woman" that must be silently endured.

Key Points to Understand:

• Pelvic health issues are prevalent. Many women experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their lives due to factors like pregnancy, childbirth, aging, high-impact activities, or chronic straining.

• Various conditions exist, from urinary incontinence and pelvic pain to constipation and painful intercourse.

• Help is available. Pelvic floor physical therapy, specialized medical treatments, and lifestyle modifications can effectively manage and often resolve many pelvic health concerns.

• Early intervention is key in preventing these issues from escalating and significantly impacting your daily life.

• Cultural and societal factors can be barriers. Recognizing that cultural norms and societal expectations can hinder women from seeking help is crucial. We must empower ourselves to prioritize our health regardless of these pressures.

Taking Charge of Your Pelvic Well-being:

Empowering ourselves starts with education and open communication.

Actionable Steps:

• Educate yourself about the anatomy and function of your pelvic floor and common conditions that can affect it.

• Pay attention to any unusual sensations, discomfort, or changes in your bladder or bowel habits.

• If you experience any pelvic health concerns, consult a healthcare professional specializing in this area, such as a gynaecologist or pelvic floor physical therapist.

• Incorporate pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) into your routine, especially during and after pregnancy.

• Don't hesitate to ask questions and express your concerns to your healthcare providers.

"Your body is a complex and interconnected system. Prioritizing your pelvic health is an integral part of caring for your overall physical well-being." By breaking the silence and actively seeking knowledge and care, we can take control of our pelvic health and live more comfortable and fulfilling lives.

REFERENCES

DeLancey, J. O. L. (2016). Anatomy of the pelvic floor. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 59(3), 474-486.

Hay-Smith, E. J. C., Mørkved, S., Fairhall, C. T., Herbison, G. P. (2008). Pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD001407.

Lowenstein, L., & Fitzgerald, C. M. (2011). Pelvic pain in women: A comprehensive approach. Journal of Women's Health, 20(11), 1649-1662.

Rogers, R. G., Pauls, R. N., Thakar, R., Dwyer, P. L., & Bo, K. (2018). An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. International Urogynecology Journal, 29(4), 581-591.

Schlaeger, R., & DeLancey, J. O. L. (2016). The female pelvic floor: Function, dysfunction, and management. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 28(5), 398-404.

Wallace, S. A., Miller, L. D., & Weiss, H. R. (2019). Heal pelvic pain: Your proven 4-step guide to lasting relief. Althea Press.