What IS the Pelvic Floor?
You are certainly not the first to ask this question. Your pelvic floor consists of muscles and connective tissue that stabilize your pelvic bones and support your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum). Think of these muscles like a hammock or trampoline. They need to be able to fully contract and fully relax to provide optimal support and allow for bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
When your pelvic floor is working well, you probably don’t think about it! A healthy pelvic floor looks like:
Peeing 4-7x/day and not at all overnight; fully emptying your bladder each time
Pooping somewhere between 3x/day and 3x/week, without straining
Pain-free vaginal exams and penetration
Completing all your daily activities without feeling heaviness in your vagina
Feeling free from hip, back, or pelvic pain throughout your daily activities
Controlling the urge to pee and poop without leaking
Ability to orgasm
Being able to run, jump, laugh, sneeze, and cough without leaking or feeling heaviness
We start to think about the pelvic floor when these issues (and many more not listed) start to come up.. many of these are common throughout pregnancy and postpartum (but they can also happen to people who have never been pregnant). Why do these symptoms pop up..?
Carrying extra weight throughout pregnancy impacts the core and pelvic floor. Internal organs shift & posture and body patterns change to accommodate for the baby.
Both vaginal and cesarean birth cause organs to shift and tissues sustain trauma (stretching, tearing, or major surgery).
In everyday life, less than optimal breathing patterns, pressure control, and movement patterns can cause muscle imbalance, tension or pain
EVERYONE has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic floor dysfunction. We’re here to normalize the conversation and help you prioritize your well-being.
Read more about why you should see a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy HERE.
Written by: Dr. Courtney Trocinski