The pelvic floor muscles support organs such as the bladder and bowels, regulate continence, aid in childbirth, and can be damaged by physical trauma or strenuous activity. Kegel exercises can strengthen these muscles and reduce the risk of damage. Pelvic organ prolapse can be a serious condition if left untreated.
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles that help attach the pubis to the sacrum in the pelvis. This important network of muscles performs a number of important tasks, such as supporting vital organs such as the bladder and bowels. In women, the pelvic floor has the added responsibility of supporting the vagina.
In addition to providing a secure foundation for the body’s organs, the pelvic floor also plays an important role in maintaining continence. The pelvic floor muscles help regulate the function of both the urinary and anal sphincter. When these muscles are damaged in any way, pelvic floor dysfunction often first manifests itself as incontinence, but it can soon develop into more problematic issues, such as the descent of the organs into the vagina. This condition, known as pelvic organ prolapse, can be extremely serious if not treated by a qualified doctor.
This muscle group also plays an important role in the birth process. The structure of the muscles is such that they can expand and contract to support the uterus and the rest of the female reproductive system as the baby travels through the birth canal. Without pelvic floor action, the birth process would be much more complicated.
There are a number of factors that can lead to pelvic area failure. A difficult birth can cause muscles to collapse and may require surgery to correct. Physical trauma to the area following an accident can produce similar results. Unless the damage is corrected, the floor will be unable to support vital organs and will increase the possibility of further organ failure.
Strenuous activity can also lead to floor muscle dysfunction. Hobbies like water skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking can over time create trauma that will weaken your muscles and eventually cause them to fail. As with failure following childbirth, the damage may require surgery to repair and allow the individual to resume normal activities.
In order to strengthen the pelvic muscles and thus minimize the risk of damage during childbirth, accidents or even strenuous exercise or exertion, many doctors recommend the use of Kegel exercises. Sometimes referred to as pelvic floor exercises or PFEs, these simple exercises can be done anywhere and will significantly improve the muscle tone of the pelvis. As a result, muscles can withstand a greater amount of trauma without failing.
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