The Very Important Pelvic Floor

Learning about the physiological structure of the pelvic floor is the first step to
understanding incontinence.

Take our Pelvic Floor Quiz to learn more.

Without the support of a strong pelvic floor, normal activities such as jogging, coughing, sneezing and laughing can lead to leakage and accidents.

How do I keep my pelvic floor strong?

See Dr. Chris Steele, Britian’s #1 TV doctor, talk about the pelvic floor.

Pelvic Floor Structure

The pelvic floor muscle, sometimes called the pelvic muscle, is actually a series of strong, flexible muscles that act as a hammock for the bladder, urethra, rectum and uterus. The  muscle is rooted to the tailbone in the back and the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis.

When these muscles get weak, either from strenuous exercise, pregnancy, childbirth, or from the normal effects of aging, the bladder and urethra are not supported correctly. This sag causes defects in the transmission of pressures, and leads to incontinence. 

Weak pelvic muscles allow the bladder’s position to drop and push down towards the urethra, compromising the delicate balance that allows the urethral sphincter to prevent urine leakage.

How do I keep my pelvic floor strong?

Fortunately, the pelvic floor is a voluntary muscle.  And like other voluntary muscles, the pelvic floor can be strengthened.

A stronger pelvic floor muscle can improve and even eliminate certain types of incontinence.

The most popular and effective exercises to tone and tighten the pelvic muscle are called Kegels. When performed correctly (naturally or with Kegel aids), Kegels can significantly enhance pelvic health.

Aids for doing Kegels

There are several products available to help women correctly perform Kegel exercises. 

Instructional aids & classes
There are a variety of books and instructional videos available to provide clear and in-depth instruction on Kegel exercises. Nurses are another valuable resource for Kegel instruction.

Pelvic floor electrical stimulation
Pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES) devices take the guesswork out of pelvic muscle toning by automatically performing Kegels. These devices gently stimulate the pelvic floor muscle  to strengthen and tighten with minimal effort, and are generally designed for home use. The Athena Pelvic Muscle Trainer™ is a PFES device and is available by prescription.

Pelvic weights
Pelvic weights are made of plastic and shaped like a cone. They come in increasing weights and are inserted into the vagina. As the pelvic floor muscle is toned, the user will be able to use heavier weights. When a woman can hold the weight in place she knows she is successfully toning her muscle

Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback is the use of a pneumatic scale or electric sensors to determine if a woman is using the correct muscle to perform Kegel exercises. This technique allows a woman to identify her pelvic floor muscle by showing her when she is contracting the muscle. 

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