Role of the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor muscles form a bowl underneath your pelvis to provide support and control for your bladder and bowel. The muscles attach to your pubic bone at the front, then span backwards to your coccyx (tailbone) and outwards towards your sitting bones. The opening of your bladder, vagina and your bowel all pass through the pelvic floor. 

The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs and abdominal contents especially when standing or when there is an increase in pressure in your abdomen with activities such as lifting, bending or straining. The muscles also contribute to sexual satisfaction and sensation.

The muscles help to keep the bladder and bowel openings closed to prevent unwanted leakage. The muscles need to work gently most of the time and also be able to work harder when your intra-abdominal pressure increases i.e. when you cough, sneeze, lift or exert yourself. They also help to control wind and to hold on to your bowels. 

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Although common, it's very important to know that these symptoms should only happen for a short time, should be mild and should improve quickly.