Issues within the most intimate regions of the human body can often lead to silent suffering, particularly among women.
These concerns frequently revolve around the intricate network of muscles and tissues that form the pelvic floor. While the pelvic floor may often go unnoticed, its functions are pivotal for overall well-being. Let’s delve deeper into the pelvic floor’s functions and potential dysfunctions.
To help us remember the primary functions of this remarkable structure, we’ve categorised them into three fundamental aspects known as the 3 S‘s: Support, Sphincter Control, and Sexual Function.
- Support:
The deepest layer of the pelvic floor is a hammock-like structure that provides crucial support to our intimate organs and various abdominal structures. These include the bladder, bowel, and womb. Interwoven ligaments enhance the structural stability of the pelvic floor. Notably, these muscles contribute to the deep core, serving to protect and stabilise the trunk during functional movements, as well as aiding in the maintenance of an upright posture.
- Sphincter Control:
The middle layer encompasses the sphincters, two crucial components situated at the one at the end of your “pee pipe” and one at the end of your “poo pipe”. These sphincters play a pivotal role in maintaining continence and control over bowel and bladder functions. Excessive tension in pelvic floor muscles may lead to difficulties in emptying the bowels and bladder. Conversely, weakened pelvic floor muscles can result in issues like bowel or bladder incontinence. Striking a balance between muscle control and relaxation within the pelvic floor is critical for maintaining healthy sphincter functions.
- Sexual Function:
The most superficial layer of the pelvic floor is essential for sexual function. It contributes to sexual arousal and enhances blood flow to the area through rhythmic contractions and relaxation of muscle groups. Optimal pelvic floor function includes the ability to both tighten and relax these muscles, ultimately enhancing pleasure during sexual intercourse. Excessive tension within the pelvic floor can lead to pain and discomfort, particularly during initial penetration.
The harmonious operation of all these layers is indispensable for the optimal function of the pelvic floor. When these components are not in sync, pelvic floor dysfunctions can occur. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common issue, primarily experienced by women. It encompasses problems such as bladder and bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation, sexual dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse. It is important to note that these disorders often coexist. Surprisingly, the prevalence of urinary incontinence in women ranges between 25% and 45%.
There are various types of urinary incontinence:
Stress Incontinence: Occurs when a minor leak happens during activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, or any motion that exerts pressure on the bladder. This is typically due to a weakened or damaged urethral sphincter, the component responsible for holding urine in place.
Overactive Incontinence: Also known as urge incontinence, it is characterised by a strong and immediate urge to urinate, even when the bladder isn’t full. This condition arises when the bladder muscle begins to contract and signals a need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.
Mixed Incontinence: If an individual experiences symptoms of both overactive bladder and stress incontinence, they likely have mixed incontinence, a combination of both types.
Overflow Incontinence: Occurs when the bladder fails to empty completely, leading to urine leakage, with or without a sense of urgency. The abdominal region may distend. Overflow incontinence is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women and is often associated with prostate-related conditions.
There is clear evidence supporting the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and lifestyle changes in managing incontinence. By consulting with a physiotherapist specialising in women’s health, you can receive guidance and support and change your life.
Riley Physiotherapists
