08/01/2024
Maybe it’s just me (I am a pelvic floor therapist, after all), but it seems like everywhere you look, people are talking about the pelvic floor. We hear about it, know about the infamous Kegels that we think "fix" it, and are aware that we should know more about it.
So, what is the pelvic floor? Simply put, your pelvic floor (everyone has one) is like a hammock at the base of your pelvis that supports your pelvic organs (think bladder, bowel, and uterus). Even though we often consider it as purely muscle, it's much more than that; it includes blood vessels, fatty tissue, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and fascia, all crucial for pelvic health.
For the sake of simplicity, let's talk about the muscles. Our pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in keeping the pelvic organs (viscera) in place, preventing them from being pushed through the pelvis during strain. To achieve this, these muscles remain unconsciously contracted at rest and can be consciously contracted during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure (such as vomiting, sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy objects, or forced expiration.)
These muscles can be broken down into three layers:
1️⃣ Superficial Layer: The outermost layer, closest to the skin, is crucial for sexual function and arousal. It helps close the pelvic openings like the urethra and va**na.
2️⃣ Middle Layer: Located deeper than the superficial layer, this one also aids in closing the urethra.
3️⃣ Deepest Layer: Contains the levator ani muscle group (pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus). These muscles lift and support the pelvic organs
Now that you have a clearer picture of what the pelvic floor is and how it functions, how confident are you about your own pelvic health? Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your experiences, ask your questions, or let me know if you’re interested in learning more about effective exercises beyond Kegels. Don’t hesitate to reach out—your pelvic floor health is worth it!
