Where are they?
The pelvic floor is a muscle group located below our pelvis. It is attached on the pubis in front, on the coccyx behind, and on the seat bones on both sides. Its existence often neglected, the pelvic floor nevertheless has very important roles in our daily lives.
What are they for?
- It is the pelvic floor that controls the urinary and anal sphincters, i.e. helping us to hold in pee/poo when it is not time to go to the bathroom, and therefore prevent us from having leaks.
- It is the muscle that supports the pelvic organs such as the bladder, prostate (in men), uterus (in women), and rectum to ensure proper functioning of these organs.
- During sex, it participates in orgasm in women and erection and ejaculation in men, thus contributing to our sensation and pleasure.
- Also, it is part of the ”core” muscles to stabilize the pelvis and lower back during movement.
- In addition, it has a “piston” role in coordination with the diaphragm to promote breathing, blood circulation of the abdominal cavity and to balance intra-abdominal pressure.
Several life events such as pregnancy, childbirth, a fall on the coccyx, or abdominopelvic surgery can affect the normal functioning of this muscle.
Consult our physiotherapists in perineal-pelvic rehabilitation to manage and/or prevent pelvic disorders!
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Cindy Luo
Physiotherapist