The pelvic floor of the female pelvic floor is mainly formed by a muscular structure that is in charge of providing support to all the abdominal viscera. In addition, as stated by experts in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the pelvic floor is also involved in urinary and defecatory continence, sexuality and the birth canal.
The levator ani muscle, which is the main muscle that makes up the pelvic floor, is distended at the time of delivery to allow the passage of the fetus. As this is a muscular structure, if it has not previously been significantly injured, it can be rehabilitated with pelvic floor strengthening exercises.
The aim of pelvic floor strengthening exercises is, in addition to becoming aware of the existence of this muscular structure, to achieve muscle hypertrophy, thus gaining in power and effectiveness. If pelvic floor rehabilitation does not achieve the desired result, there are other therapeutic possibilities, including surgery.
Pelvic floor: causes
Pregnancy and childbirth cause a series of changes in the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor which, although usually reversible, can sometimes lead to injuries that affect quality of life. These lesions are expressed in different ways such as prolapse or descent of the pelvic structures, urinary or fecal incontinence…
There are other pathologies related to the functionalism of the pelvic organs. For example, overactive bladder, which manifests as sudden urges to urinate (voiding urgency) that may be associated with incontinence. This severely limits the quality of life. The same applies to some defecation disorders or chronic pelvic pain.
The study of pelvic floor pathology is very complex, so it requires a thorough diagnosis to determine the type of treatment appropriate in each case. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound and urodynamics are two very useful tools to assess the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor.