The Pelvic Floor

I don’t even know what my pelvic floor is???

A common comment I hear regularly.  Let’s start with the basics-anatomy.

Permission to use copyright image from Pelvic Guru, LLC pelvicguru.com

When we refer to the pelvis, we mean the group of bones that form in the front at your pubic symphysis or “bone” and form a ring where they join in the back at your sacroilliac joints or “SI Joints”.  

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause the cartilage and ligamentous structures that hold these bones together to become more lax (or loose) which can lead to pelvic girdle pain (PGP) like pubic symphysis or sacroiliac dysfunction.  

Now onto the pelvic floor.  The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that contribute to the stability of the pelvis and spine. 

The pelvic floor spans from the pubic bone in the front of our pelvis to the coccyx (or tailbone) on the backside of our pelvis.  It acts as a hammock and provides support to our pelvic organs.  Other key roles it has include keeping us continent, assists in birthing babies, manages intra-abdominal pressure and helps us achieve orgasm.  

During pregnancy, the pelvic floor is put to the test, having to support the increase in weight from increased fluid circulation and the growing fetus. 

Just like any muscle or group of muscles in the body, pain and dysfunction can occur. Dysfunction can present as incontinence (urine, feces or gas), pain with sitting or during intercourse, heaviness/pressure/fullness in the vagina or feeling as if something is falling out. It is also not that uncommon to have issues emptying your bowels or bladder or having urinary frequency. 

Although these symptoms seem common among postpartum women, they should not be considered normal.  These are not symptoms you have to live with following the birth of your baby.  There are several ways to improve or manage these symptoms. Physical therapy has proven to be a _____llne of treatment in pelvic floor dysfunction.