Pelvic floor
MUSCLES
The pelvic floor muscles form the lower closure of the pelvis. The pelvic floor is a functional whole of muscle tissue and support tissue. The function of the pelvic floor is to support the abdominal organs (including uterus, bladder, and intestine), but also to close and open the urethra and anus. The malfunctioning of the pelvic floor can lead to complaints. It may be that the muscle is weakened or too tense.
It is important that the pelvic floor does the right thing at the right time. If the muscle is too slow or too tense, problems arise with the retention or passing of urine and/or faeces.
PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor must bear extra weight. This is not a problem because the pelvic floor adapts to the slowly increasing weight. The hormonal changes ensure that the pelvis and the pelvic floor become more flexible. Of course, other taxing factors may also play a role. For example, sports, profession, or previous pregnancies.
PELVIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Pelvic physiotherapy offers help to women and men with problems related to urination, defecation, sex, pregnancy and prolapse.
The pelvic physiotherapist offers help with the following complaints:
- Urine leakage
- Strong or continuous urge
- Difficulty urinating
- Recurrent bladder infections
- Stool loss
- Constipation
- Stomach ache
- Subsidence
- Pain in anus, scrotum, or vagina
- Prostate problems
- Sexual problems, such as pain during sex and premature ejaculation
- Guidance with operations on prostate, uterus, bladder, or intestines
- Low back and pelvic (bottom) complaints during pregnancy
Problems around urination, defecation and sex can have a major impact on social life and relationships. Confidence in one's own body can decrease, and shame often plays a role.
The midwife can provide you the contact details of specialized pelvic physiotherapists in the region.
