What Are The Symptoms Of Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles? What Can I Do To Strengthen Them?

What Are The Symptoms Of Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles? What Can I Do To Strengthen Them?

You might not realise it, but your pelvic muscles play an essential role in supporting your bladder, bowel, and uterus.

When these pelvic floor muscles weaken, you may experience symptoms like leaking urine when you laugh or sneeze, a feeling of heaviness in your vagina, or difficulty controlling your bowel movements.

This can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but there are effective pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises that can help.

Keep reading to learn more about the causes of weak pelvic muscles and the steps you can take to improve your pelvic health.

Key Takeaways

Identifying Weak Floor Muscles

If you’re experiencing symptoms like urinary incontinencefaecal incontinence, or feeling a bulge in your vagina, you may have weak pelvic muscles. The pelvic floor, also known as the pelvic diaphragm, is a group of pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Recognising weak pelvic muscles is vital for addressing these symptoms and preventing further complications.

Other signs of weak floor muscles include lower back paindifficulty controlling bowel movementsdecreased sexual satisfactionfrequent urination, and a constant urge to urinate. If you experience any of these pelvic floor muscles symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

pelvic floor
A healthy and well-functioning pelvic floor is a crucial for your quality of life.

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through targeted exercises, such as Kegels, can help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your healthcare provider can guide you through the proper technique for performing pelvic exercises and recommend a pelvic floor muscles routine tailored to your specific needs.

Common Causes of a Weak Floor

Several factors can contribute to the development of weak pelvic muscles:

  • Pregnancy & Childbirth

    Pregnancy and childbirth are common causes of weak floor, as the added weight and strain on the pelvic floor during this time can weaken the muscles.

  • Weight-Related Issues

    Obesity and chronic constipation can also put excess pressure on the pelvic floor, leading to muscle weakness over time.

  • Medical Issues

    Furthermore, specific medical treatments, such as prostate cancer surgery in men, can damage the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, resulting in weakness.

  • Age-Related Factors

    As you age, especially during menopause for women, hormonal changes can cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken naturally.

If you suspect you have weak pelvic muscles, addressing the issue promptly is vital. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegels, are a proven way to strengthen these muscles and improve their function.

Risks of Untreated Pelvic Floor

Understanding the risks associated with untreated weak pelvic muscles is just as important as identifying the causes. If you neglect these pelvic floor muscles, you could face several significant health issues. 

Untreated weak pelvic muscles often lead to bladder and bowel control problems, increasing your chances of incontinence. This lack of control can be both inconvenient and embarrassing.

Stress, Overflow and Urge incontinence are far more common than you think. These conditions are readily treatable with the help of a qualified Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.

Additionally, there’s a heightened risk of pelvic organ prolapse, where organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum drop from their normal positions. 

This can cause discomfort and further health complications. Sexual dysfunction is another potential issue, affecting both satisfaction and performance, which can strain personal relationships.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can assist someone dealing with pelvic organ prolapse and restore their quality of life.

Lower back pain is also a common side effect, as the pelvic floor muscles play a role in stabilising your core. Weak pelvic muscles can leave you more susceptible to pain and injury in this area. Ultimately, these pelvic floor muscles problems can severely impact your quality of life, making daily tasks and activities more challenging.

Risk Description Impact On Life
Bladder control issues
Leads to urinary incontinence
Embarrassment and inconvenience
Issues with bowel control
Causes faecal incontinence
Hygiene concerns and discomfort
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Organs falling out of their normal positions
Discomfort and health complications
Sexual Dysfunction
Has an impact on satisfaction and performance
Strain on personal relationships
Lower-back pain
Results from lack of core stabilisation
Increased susceptibility to pain and injury

Consistency in addressing pelvic floor health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

Effective Pelvic Floor Exercises

Effective pelvic floor muscles exercises are vital for maintaining excellent pelvic health and preventing complications such as incontinence and prolapse. 

Strengthening these pelvic floor muscles can greatly improve bladder control, reduce prolapse risk, and aid in post-surgery recovery. Here’s how you can make sure you’re performing these exercises effectively to achieve the best outcomes.

First, identify the correct muscles. The easiest way is to try stopping your urine flow midstream; the muscles you use are your pelvic floor muscles. Once identified, you can perform Kegels exercises anywhere and anytime.

Second, focus on consistency. Regular exercise trains these muscles to prevent bladder and bowel issues.

Finally, make sure you maintain proper form. Avoid engaging surrounding muscles, such as those in your abdomen or thighs. Correct technique is essential for effectiveness.

Michelle Kenway is a fantastic Physio that has some great video tutorials on pelvic floor exercise – here is one for Kegels we recommend you watch before trying the above routine:

Pelvic floor exercises are crucial for both men and women. If you’re unsure about your technique or don’t see improvements, seek guidance from a pelvic health physiotherapist. They can provide personalised support to make sure you gain the most benefit from your efforts.

When To Seek Professional Help

While pelvic floor exercises can be highly effective in strengthening these crucial muscles, there are times when seeking professional help is necessary for achieving the best results. If you’re experiencing symptoms like incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, it’s essential to consult a pelvic health physiotherapist for proper assessment and guidance. Here’s why:

Don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor muscle weakness. With our expertise and support, you can regain control, improve your quality of life, and feel more confident in your daily activities.

In Closing...

Addressing weak pelvic muscles promptly is essential to prevent discomfort and further complications.

Like a sturdy foundation holding up a building, strong pelvic muscles support your overall well-being.

Regular pelvic exercises, such as Kegels, are effective in strengthening these muscles.

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a physiotherapist for tailored exercises and professional support. Taking proactive steps will help you maintain a strong pelvic floor and improve your quality of life.

Please book appointment here or call us on (03) 4821 5023 if you have questions and want to learn about our pelvic floor physiotherpy services – book in for an assessment tailored to your care, needs and well-being.  

Our North East Melbourne metro based physiotherapy clinic is open six days a week and you can book your appointment online for convenience.

Rosanna Physio Pelvic Floor Weakness Clinic

Rosanna Physio Pelvic Floor Weakness Clinic

Rosanna Physio has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs since 1989. We have the education, qualifications and experience to effectively treat any muscle or joint injury that requires expert physical therapy care.

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