What is the pelvic floor?
It is the set of muscles and ligaments that surround the abdominal cavity in its lower part. They support all the pelvic organs (bladder and urethra, uterus and vagina; and rectum) and ensure their normal function. The pelvic floor is somewhat dynamic, it adapts to our movement but always maintaining adequate tension to hold the organs within the pelvis. When the pelvic floor weakens, problems arise that can affect the functioning of the pelvic organs.
What are the symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor?
The main symptoms it can cause are urinary or fecal incontinence, discomfort, pain and even a prolapse of one of the pelvic organs.
The pelvic floor is the set of muscles and ligaments that surround the abdominal cavity in its lower part.
What are the causes of pelvic floor weakening?
The main factors of pelvic floor weakening are:
- Natural childbirth
- Chronic constipation
- Impact sports
- Obesity
- Chronic respiratory diseases and smoking
- Gynecological surgery or aggressive treatments
Can pelvic floor weakening be prevented?
There are some tips to prevent this problem, among which stand out:
- Regularly train and exercise the pelvic floor muscles with exercises.
- Good toileting habits and techniques
- Regularly include fiber and probiotics in your diet to promote intestinal health and transit.
- Maintaining an appropriate weight
- Maintaining good posture, especially while sitting
- Doing low-impact activities, such as hypopressive abdominal exercises, cycling, swimming or elliptical training.
What is the treatment of pelvic floor weakness?
If the weakening is not severe, the main treatment is pelvic floor physiotherapy, which aims to rehabilitate the affected area through specific exercises. If an organ prolapse has occurred, the appropriate treatment is pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.