If this sounds familiar, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy may be for you…
I lose control and leak when I laugh, sneeze or cough
I avoid certain exercises, like running and jumping, because I leak
While exercising I often have to stop to pee
I am constantly going to the bathroom
I often carry an extra change of underwear and/or pad, just in case
I'm afraid that I won't find a bathroom in time
I am not well rested because I wake often to go to the bathroom
Sex is painful
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that create a sling-like structure connecting your pubic bone to your tailbone (coccyx) and to your sit bones (ischial tuberosities). Women have 3 openings (urethra, vagina and anus) in their pelvic floor whereas men have 2 (urethra and anus). Just like any other muscle in the body, we need the pelvic floor muscles to be strong, flexible and coordinated in order to function at its best.
What are the functions of the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor functions to:
Support the internal organs against gravity
Provide sexual function
Provide stability by assisting the pelvis, hip joints and unloading the spine
Control the openings of the urethra, vagina and rectum maintaining urinary and fecal continence