PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES

   Pelvic floor muscles are the muscles that support the organs of the abdomen.
   Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to correctly tighten and relax the pelvic floor muscles to have a bowel movement.

   It can happen in men and women alike.

SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION

1. Urinary issues, such as frequent urge to urinate or painful urination.
2. Constipation or bowel strains 
3. Lower back pain 
4. Pain in the pelvic region, genitals or rectum 
5. Discomfort during sexual intercourse 
6. Pressure in the pelvic region or rectum
7. Muscle spasm in the pelvis.

WHAT CAUSES PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS?

• Childbirth
• Obesity
• Heavy weight lifting
• Pelvic surgery or radiation therapy

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK HELP FOR PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS?

       Most of these problems go hidden behind the curtains of feeling ashamed or awkward. However these are very common problems and very much treatable.

HOW IS PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION TREATED?

• Behavioral changes
• Avoid pushing and pulling activities.
• Techniques to relax pelvic floor muscles i.e. warm bath, yoga.
• Physical therapy

3 types of pelvic floor disorders:-

1. Fecal incontinence or lack of bowel control 
2. Pelvic organ prolapse i.e. rectal prolapse (a condition in which the bowel can bulge through the anus)
3. Obstructive defecation:- inability to pass stool through the digestive tract out the anus.

COMMON MYTHS 

1. Pelvic floor muscles are easy to do 
2. You learn pelvic floor exercises from a pamphlet
3. Pelvic floor muscles exercises don't work 
4. I am too old for pelvic floor muscle exercises
5. I've had a baby, damage is done
6. I don't need to do pelvic floor exercises
7. I can't sit on the floor, therefore I can't do them
8. Men don't have pelvic floor

WHAT CAUSES PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES WEAKNESS IN MEN?

1. Surgery for prostrate cancer
2. Bladder or bowel problems 
3. Constipation 
4. Heavy weight lifting

=≥ For some people muscles become too tight.

-Dr. Maria Jennifer Pinto (P.T.)