The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that support the organs in your pelvis, including the bladder, bowel, and uterus (in women). Understanding What Is Pelvic Floor is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, as these muscles play a vital role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability. When these muscles weaken, it can lead to various health issues.
Common causes of pelvic floor muscle weakness include several factors, often impacting women more significantly, but also affecting men.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
For women, pregnancy and childbirth are significant contributors to pelvic floor weakness. Evidence suggests that problems can start during pregnancy itself, not just after delivery. Women who have experienced multiple births, assisted deliveries using forceps or ventouse, third or fourth-degree perineal tears, or have given birth to large babies (over 4kg birth weight) face a higher risk of pelvic floor muscle damage. The added weight and strain during pregnancy, combined with the trauma of childbirth, can stretch and weaken these crucial muscles.
Menopause
Another factor specific to women is menopause. The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can cause the pelvic floor muscles, like all other muscles in the body, to lose strength and elasticity. This hormonal shift can lead to a gradual weakening of the pelvic floor, increasing the risk of incontinence and prolapse.
Straining on the Toilet
Ongoing or repeated straining on the toilet, often associated with constipation, can also contribute to weak pelvic floor muscles. This straining puts excessive pressure on the pelvic floor, potentially leading to weakness and/or prolapse of organs into the vagina (for women) or the anus (rectal lining protruding from the anus). Addressing the root cause of constipation and developing healthy toilet habits are essential for preventing further damage.
Chronic Cough
A persistent cough, regardless of the underlying cause (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, or smoker’s cough), increases the risk of urinary incontinence and prolapse. Each cough exerts pressure on the pelvic floor, and over time, this repeated stress can weaken the muscles.
Pelvic Surgery and Radiotherapy
Pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy or prostate surgery, and radiotherapy treatments can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles. These procedures can directly impact the muscles and nerves in the pelvic region, leading to decreased function and support.
Heavy Lifting
Heavy lifting can put increased stress on the pelvic floor, whether it’s during exercise, at work, or at home. It’s crucial to maintain good posture while lifting and to engage the pelvic floor muscles to provide support and stability.
High-Impact Exercise
Participating in high-impact exercises, where both feet leave the ground simultaneously (e.g., netball, basketball, running, or jumping activities), can increase the risk of urine leakage, especially in women. The repetitive impact can strain the pelvic floor muscles, leading to weakness and incontinence. For more information on pelvic floor-friendly exercises, resources like the Pelvic Floor First website can be helpful.
Age
As we age, pelvic floor muscles tend to weaken naturally. However, performing pelvic floor muscle exercises can help strengthen them at any age, mitigating the effects of aging and maintaining pelvic health.
Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of urine leakage and places greater stress on the pelvic floor, contributing to pelvic floor weakness. Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the strain on these muscles.
In conclusion, understanding what is pelvic floor and the factors that contribute to its weakness is the first step in preventing and managing related health issues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing proper lifting techniques, and performing regular pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen these muscles and improve overall pelvic health.
