Hello, lovely readers! Today, we’re going to dive into a topic that often flies under the radar but plays a vital role in our bodies—the pelvic floor. Yes, that mighty group of muscles that silently supports us as we go about our daily lives. So, let’s shed some light on the pelvic floor and understand its significance, especially as we age and bring little bundles of joy into the world!
First things first, what exactly is the pelvic floor? Well, imagine a hammock-like structure made up of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that cradle and support your pelvic organs—the bladder, uterus (for those amazing individuals), and rectum. It’s like a secret superhero that keeps everything in place and functioning properly.
Now, let’s talk about its incredible role within the body. The pelvic floor muscles have three primary functions: support, control, and stability.
Support:
The pelvic floor provides essential support to your pelvic organs, preventing them from sagging or descending. It’s like a trusty trampoline that keeps everything in its rightful place. Without a strong pelvic floor, you might experience issues like pelvic organ prolapse, where the organs droop or press against the vaginal walls, causing discomfort.
Control:
Ever heard of the phrase “holding it in”? Well, you can thank your pelvic floor muscles for that! They give you the ability to control the release of urine, stool, and even gas. When your pelvic floor is strong and toned, it helps maintain continence and prevents embarrassing leaks and accidents.
Stability:
Remember the core we discussed in our previous blog? Well, surprise! The pelvic floor is an integral part of it. Together with the deep abdominal and back muscles, a strong pelvic floor contributes to stability, balance, and good posture. It’s like a well-orchestrated dance team working in harmony to keep you steady and aligned.
Addressing the elephant in the room.
What happens to the pelvic floor as we age and have babies? Well, ageing and childbirth can put some extra pressure on this unsung hero, and it might need a little extra TLC.
Here’s what you need to know:
Ageing:
As we age, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken due to hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and the natural ageing process. This can lead to issues such as urinary incontinence (those little leaks when you laugh or sneeze – we call them “sneeze-wees & cough/laugh/jump-wees), decreased sexual sensation, and even pelvic pain. But fear not! Pelvic floor exercises, also known as kegels, can help strengthen and tone these muscles, giving them a new lease on life.
Childbirth:
Ladies, our bodies are amazing vessels capable of creating life. Let’s be real though, bringing a baby into the world can have an impact on our pelvic floor. During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles stretch to accommodate the baby’s passage. Sometimes, this can result in weakened pelvic floor muscles, which may contribute to issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The good news? Postpartum pelvic floor exercises and seeking guidance from a pelvic health professional can aid in the recovery and rehabilitation process.
Don’t worry, we have the tools to help your pelvic floor!
So, what can you do to keep your pelvic floor in top-notch shape? Kegel exercises are a fantastic place to start. These simple contractions and relaxations of the pelvic floor muscles can be done anytime, anywhere. Another great tip is to incorporate exercises that engage your deep core, such as Pilates or yoga, as they naturally strengthen the pelvic floor. There is also another option for those that may not be physically able to do the activities or just want some extra help, it’s a medical device that non-invasively re-educates, repairs, strengthens and actually grows new muscle to assist in long term reduction (and for some elimination) of symptoms. But be sure you are doing you research and getting the real deal. Make sure you ask for EMSELLA by BTL as this device has a tonne of medical data collected by many practicing Doctors and Specialists to show its real-life benefits and is a globally approved and recognised treatment by all the appropriate governing bodies.
Remember, my friends, your pelvic floor deserves some love and attention. So, let’s honour this incredible part of our bodies that silently supports us throughout our lives. Take care of it, keep it strong, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you have any concerns.
Here’s to a happy and healthy pelvic floor—your steadfast companion on life’s journey!