Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM)

What is important to know about the pelvic floor muscles?

Who is affected? Pelvic floor muscle health is important for everyone, regardless of age or gender. Although these muscles are hidden from view, they play a vital role in overall health and well-being.

Who treats pelvic floor dysfunction? A complex assessment and treatment of pelvic floor muscle function should be performed by a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health.

Like all other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor muscles require healthy muscle tone, strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordinated function in order to perform their tasks effectively.

The pelvic floor muscles form a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis. The pelvic floor is a three-layered muscular and connective tissue system that spans the lower outlet of the pelvis, extending between the pubic bone, tailbone, and the two sitting bones (ischial tuberosities). It consists of several muscles, including the urethral and anal sphincters. Pelvic floor muscles are also commonly referred to as Kegel muscles or intimate muscles.

These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, maintaining urinary and bowel continence, and promoting sexual health in both women and men.

Did you know?

Pelvic floor muscles are voluntary muscles, just like the muscles of the arms and legs. This means they need to be trained and conditioned regularly. They do not strengthen automatically and can only be improved through specific exercises.

Functions of the pelvic floor muscles

1. Supporting the pelvic Organs

Together with the surrounding connective tissue network, the pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, urethra, rectum, and, in women, the uterus. Pelvic floor exercises can help prevent and manage various forms of pelvic organ prolapse, including uterine, bladder, and rectal prolapse.

2. Bladder and bowel control

Healthy urethral and anal sphincter muscles are essential for controlling urination, passing gas, and bowel movements.

3. Sexual function

A healthy sex life positively influences pelvic floor muscle function. These muscles are active during sexual arousal and activity, not only during orgasm.

4. Core stability

The pelvic floor muscles work closely with the core muscles. Well-functioning core muscles support pelvic floor function, and vice versa.

5. Assisting childbirth

During childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles form part of the soft birth canal through which the baby is guided by the powerful contractions of the uterus. The birthing parent assists the delivery through abdominal muscle effort and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic floor muscle health

Pelvic floor muscles do not automatically become stronger through general exercise or sports activities. They require specific, individualized training. Learning how to exercise these muscles correctly can be challenging and often requires professional guidance from a physiotherapist.

For this reason, pelvic floor training should not be learned solely from the internet or other unsupervised sources. Incorrect technique may fail to improve the muscles and can even contribute to significant problems.

In addition to strengthening, it is equally important to develop the muscles’ ability to relax, as well as their flexibility, speed, and endurance.

Take care of your pelvic floor health

Investing in pelvic floor health can help prevent many common problems and improve quality of life. Consult a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health to assess your individual muscle function and receive a personalized exercise program designed to strengthen and optimize these important but often overlooked muscles.