Did you know that it is estimated that approximately 60% of women will suffer from some type of pelvic floor disorder during their lifetime? But what is it and what are the possible causes of its weakening? We will be answering these questions and many others about this important structure of the human body.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a set of muscles and connective tissue that surrounds the lower part of the abdominal cavity. Its main function is to support the pelvic organs inside the pelvis (bladder, urethra, rectum, uterus, vagina, prostate and testicles). The pelvic floor works together with the abdominal muscles and the thoracic diaphragm.
All these muscles and tissues are treated by the therapeutic discipline known as gynaecological or obstetric physiotherapy.
What are the possible causes of a weakened pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor can be affected by pregnancy or childbirth, but also by further causes such as obesity, chronic constipation, sedentary lifestyles or high-impact sports.
What are the symptoms of a weak pelvic floor?
Some of the symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor are: difficulty in starting to urinate or emptying the bladder completely, urine leakage when laughing or coughing, frequent need to urinate, etc. In severe cases, faecal incontinence and uterine prolapse, i.e., descent of the uterus out of the vagina, may occur.
How can I strengthen my pelvic floor?
If you have a weak pelvic floor, you should seek the help of a physiotherapists who is specialised in this musculature. Some of the exercises they usually recommend restoring the tone of your pelvic floor could be hypopressive abdominals or Kegel exercises.
Do pelvic floor dysfunctions affect fertility?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence that pelvic floor dysfunctions are a cause of infertility. However, these dysfunctions may be associated with difficulties in sexual function, making it indirectly more difficult to conceive naturally, for example, due to pain during intercourse. In addition, pelvic floor dysfunctions are also associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome or endometriosis, but it is often a symptom of these pathologies rather than the cause itself.
Are you pregnant?
If so, at Barcelona IVF we recommend that you start working on your pelvic floor with a specialist to prevent future dysfunctions caused by pregnancy or childbirth.
What about after the birth?
In the weeks following the baby's arrival, it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise and to have your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor assessed by a specialist before engaging in physical activity.