Pelvic floor basics

There's a lot of talk going about your pelvic floor, especially when it comes to pregnancy & postpartum, but what the heck even is your pelvic floor and what does it do? Let's go over the basics…

Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles at the base of your pelvic. They sit like a bowl and attach your pubic bone to your tailbone. These muscles have 5 major functions...

#1 Sphincteric control

Some of the pelvic floor muscles wrap around the openings of your urethra (that pee comes out of), your vagina (that a baby comes out of), and your anus (that poo comes out of). These muscles help to control the opening and closing of these areas. Dysfunction of these muscles can often present as urine/fecal incontinence, or pain with intercourse.

#2 Support for your internal organs

These muscles provide support for the organs that sit in your pelvis (bladder, uterus & rectum). Dysfunction of these muscles can often present as a pelvic organ prolapse, where one or more of these organs starts to sag down into your vagina.

#3 Provide stability for your spine and pelvis

When you move, lift, or transfer weight from one leg to another, these muscles help to keep your pelvis and spine stable. Your pelvic floor is part of your core system! Dysfunction of these muscles can often present as back, pelvic or hip pain.

#4 Sexual function

Your pelvic floor muscles are full of nerve endings! Also the ability of those muscles to contract and relax are super important for penetration and orgasm. Dysfunction of these muscles can often present as pain with sex or difficulty achieving orgasm.

#5 Blood & Lymphatic flow

Pelvic floor muscles act as a sort of "sump pump" for your lower body. They help to circulate blood and lymphatic fluid. Dysfunction in these muscles can often present as a pelvic congestion syndrome, swelling and abdominal bloating.