Pelvic Floor Muscles, what are they?
The pelvic floor muscles form a hammock in the pelvis, helping to support the bladder, vagina and rectum (front and back of the body). The whole network is commonly known as the pelvic floor.The bladder neck, the area where the bladder and urethra meet, is partly supported in its position by the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor helps to hold the urethra in position on the underside of the pelvic bone. In this position, the increased pressure in the abdomen caused when you cough, sneeze or exercise is transmitted to the urethra, as well as the bladder, and has an equal effect. This is known as the pressure transmission theory and forms the basis of our understanding of continence. The pressure transmission theory is also the principle on which most surgical operations are based. Why do the pelvic floor muscles not work properly? The muscles can be damaged in many ways. Like any muscle it could be susceptible to injury and damage. The following could place considerable strain on th
