What is the pelvic floor and what is it for?
The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles and ligaments that wrap around the floor of the abdomen, holding and supporting the bladder, rectum and uterus in the correct position, against gravitational force.
Its function is to act as a support for the pelvic organs of the bladder, uterus and rectum, as well as to prevent leakage of feces, gas or urine.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
It is important that the pelvic floor muscles do not weaken because if they do not exert the necessary pressure, a deficit of dysfunction or strength appears, which affects approximately one third of adult women. In addition, this deficit can lead to:
- Urinary incontinence: involuntarily losing urine.
- Fecal incontinence: involuntary loss of gas and/or feces.
- Genital prolapse: involuntary outflow of the bladder, uterus or rectum through the vagina or vulva.
What can cause weakness in the pelvic floor muscles?
- Pregnancy: this area undergoes significant distension due to the increased weight of the uterus and the reduction in muscle tone caused by hormonal changes.
- Childbirth: this can lead to muscle injuries.
- Lack of estrogen: in women with menopause.
- Surgical interventions on the perineum.
- Obesity.
- constipation
- chronic cough
- smoking.
What is urinary incontinence?
The International Continence Society (ICS) defines urinary incontinence as discomfort caused by any involuntary leakage of urine. This disorder significantly affects the quality of life of women, regardless of their age, in all aspects: personal life, work, leisure, etc., because of the discomfort and embarrassment they feel for fear of suffering an accident at any time.
Is there any solution or treatment for urinary incontinence?
There are several solutions to combat urinary incontinence. It will always be a doctor who will choose the most appropriate method in each case:
- Drugs.
- Physiotherapy.
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation.
- Surgical interventions.
What do Kegel exercises consist of?
They are exercises based on contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles repeatedly, in order to increase and train the muscles, looking for an increase in strength and endurance. These exercises can be easily performed at home and no medical supervision is necessary.
What is hypopressive abdominal gymnastics?
Hypopressive abdominal gymnastics are exercises to tone the abdomen and pelvic floor. They also help to correct body position, as well as digestive and urological functions.