What makes women unique? It all starts from their high IQ and an increased life expectancy. However, regarding their health, they are at risk of various health conditions from heart disease to osteoporosis and more, compared to men. Their reproductive system also contributes to most of their health issues. McDonough pelvic floor health specialists understand every part of a woman’s reproductive health and are here to help. Here we look into details of what pelvic floor health is all about.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor refers to the muscles within the pelvis region. It is a funnel-shaped structure that separates the pelvic cavity from the area with the genitals and anus. The pelvic floor organs in women are the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum.
The pelvic floor muscles have the following functions.
- Provides support to the pelvic organs, especially from the weakening of the pelvic floor or from excess strain
- Enhances the stability of the sacroiliac and hip joints
- Controls the opening and closing of the bladder and rectum
- Improves sexual function by maintaining an erection or an orgasm and also stimulating blood flow for arousal
- Promotes blood and lymphatic circulation on the pelvic floor
However, as you age, the pelvic floor muscles may weaken, interfering with their functions. Usually, the pelvic floor muscles work to ensure no urine or stool leakage. The weakening of the pelvic floor or pelvic floor dysfunction interferes with the roles of the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to tighten when they should relax.
It may lead to urine or fecal incontinence and lower your sexual function.
How can you improve your pelvic floor health?
The team at Ideal Gynecology, LLC offers pelvic floor therapy sessions to help you learn to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. The specialists teach you how to conduct contractions, strengthen muscles, and enhance good pelvic floor health.
How do Kegel exercises improve pelvic floor health?
Exercise is essential to every muscle in the body, so the pelvic muscles need exercise to enhance their strength. Kegel exercises are a part of pelvic floor therapy. The exercise involves a 10-second contraction of your pelvic floor muscle and a 10-second relaxation.
You should repeat the kegel exercises ten times, three times a day, for excellent results.
What is pelvic prolapse?
It is a condition where the uterus moves down into the vagina. Pelvic prolapse occurs during the aging process due to childbirth, gravity, straining, or decreased estrogen levels. As the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles continues, the uterus may move further down, protruding out of the vagina.
What are the symptoms of pelvic prolapse?
You may notice or not notice pelvic prolapse. Common symptoms include:
- Difficult bowel movements
- Urinary leakage
- Painful or uncomfortable sexual intercourse
- Low back pain
Pelvic floor muscles help maintain our bowel movements, improve sexual function, support the pelvic organs, and promote stability. However, with the natural aging process, the muscles may weaken, causing uncomfortable signs such as urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse, and difficulty in bowel movements. Kegel exercises help restore the strength of pelvic floor muscles and maintain their health. Suppose you have difficulties in passing your bowels. You can get help. Contact Ideal Gynecology today to schedule your consultation.
