What Do Pelvic Floor Muscles Do?
The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus, vagina and bowel. They form a muscular and elastic floor across the bottom of the pelvis. When tightened, the muscles lift the organs and constrict their openings. The muscles relax to empty the bladder and bowel. Stretching of these muscles during childbirth and straining with constipation sometimes causes muscle weakening. As there may be reasons other than muscle weakness for loss of bladder and bowel control, professional advice should be sought for all incontinence problems. Signs of Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles : * leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, running (or other sudden actions) * not getting to the toilet in time * tampons wont stay in place * vaginal or anal flatus (wind) when bending and lifting * bulging felt at the vaginal opening (prolapse) * difficulty emptying the bowel completely * low pelvic dragging, vaginal heaviness, feeling everything might fall out You Need Special Attention If You : * are pregnant or a new
