Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor are very important, especially in women. They are useful in fertile ages to promote pregnancy and childbirth, as well as menopause. The weakness of the pelvic floor can have a considerable impact on the quality of life. We will see what benefits it brings to strengthen the pelvic floor.
It said that the weakness of the pelvic floor could result in what is called prolapse or descent of the pelvic organs, which in turn associated with urinary and fecal incontinence. Sometimes surgery is necessary to compensate for this weakness.
Although this weakness of the pelvic floor can occur in both men and women, it will be women who will most often be affected by it. We will begin by explaining what the pelvic floor is about and what functions it performs in the body, what can cause weakness, and finally, talk about the benefits of strengthening the pelvic floor.
Table of Contents
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a structure made up of muscles and connective tissue that lies below the organs of the pelvis. This mostly muscular structure will serve as a support for the pelvic organs and the abdominal organs as well. In other words, its primary function will be to keep the organs, each in its normal position.
The Pelvic Organs are in Women:
- Bladder and urethra: the urinary system.
- Uterus and vagina: the reproductive system.
- Rectum and anus: digestive system.
In Man, the Pelvic Organs are:
- Bladder and urethra of the urinary system.
- Prostate and seminal vesicles of the reproductive system.
- Rectum and anus of the digestive system.
As mentioned above, the pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs and keeps them in their correct position. But its function not limited only to contain but also participates in the operation and performance of that region. This is urinary and fecal continence.
What can Cause a Weak Pelvic Floor?
There are numerous reasons for pelvic floor weakness. The most frequent are:
- Increased pressure at the abdominal level: obesity, chronic lung diseases, smoking, constipation.
- Diabetes.
- Pelvic tumors.
- Prostate surgery.
- Pregnancy with or without vaginal delivery.
- Menopause: due to loss of tissue elasticity.
What are the Concerns of a Weak Pelvic Surface?
The main consequences of weakness in the pelvic floor are:
- Prolapse or lowering of the pelvic organs
- Heaviness or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Incontinence urinary and fecal
- Low back pain
- Difficulties during sexual intercourse
We already mentioned that it is more frequent in women than in men, and from what we saw, it can affect the quality of life in a significant way. Fortunately, in many cases, there is a weakness of the pelvic floor, and consequently, there is a prolapse, this does not bring any type of symptoms or discomfort.
It is always advisable to make a specialized consultation in the presence of any of the problems above.
How to Strengthen the Muscles of the Pelvic floor?
The way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles is by doing Kegel exercises.
Kegel exercises are a series of techniques developed by Arnold Kegel, a gynecologist, to improve urinary incontinence in women after childbirth.
In some cases, they can do preventively or to improve the discomfort mentioned above. Now, beyond the purpose for which they performed, the truth is that they are easy exercises to perform. For this, only a few minutes a day required one to three times a day.
To show them, you must recognize the muscles that prevent the urination or elimination of gases from the pelvic floor. To do, when you are urinating, you must stopover the flow. Once the pelvic floor muscles identified, the exercises can do in any position.
What Benefits does Strengthening the Pelvic Floor Bring?
The benefits of performing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor are remarkable. Sexual intercourse is improved, urinary incontinence prevented – improving it if it already exists – and prolapses restricted.
They are also techniques that help to aid in the recovery period from genital surgery. After childbirth, they favor the elasticity of the tissues to return to normal. In pregnant women, the risk of tearing in a vaginal delivery decreases.
Although the weakness of the pelvic floor may be inevitable, it is good to know that, in many cases, it improved quite merely.
