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What are the causes of weak pelvic floor muscles?

The pelvic floor can be weakened from various causes affecting the strength of the muscles. These can include: pregnancy, particularly prolonged pushing during delivery and overstretching of vaginal muscles; decreased levels of estrogen that occur after menopause; constipation and straining to empty the bowel; obesity; ageing; diabetes and an overactive bladder; persistent coughing causing repetitive straining, and; surgery that involves cutting the pelvic floor muscles (e.g. prostate gland operations).

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are pelvic floor exercises?

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, are muscle-contracting movements that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Where are the pelvic floor muscles located?

In both men and women, the pelvic floor muscles are tightly drawn between the coccyx and the pubic bone to support the bladder and bowel, and in women also the uterus.

What do the pelvic floor muscles do?

In both men and women, the pelvic floor muscles are important in controlling bladder and bowel functions. In women, the muscles also function to support the uterus.

Who can perform pelvic floor exercises?

Both men and women, of any age, can perform pelvic floor exercises to strengthen these muscles.

What are the signs and symptoms of weak pelvic floor muscles?

Signs and symptoms that may indicate weak pelvic floor muscles include: urinary incontinence, which involves leaking urine when running, laughing, sneezing or coughing; fecal incontinence; an inability to reach the toilet in …

How do I find the pelvic floor muscles?

It is possible to identify different areas of the pelvic floor muscles. This can be done by stopping urination midstream and by 'holding in' when needing to break wind. This will identify different muscle sections within the pelvic floor area.

How do I perform pelvic floor exercises?

Pelvic floor exercises can be performed after you have emptied your bladder, and can be done while lying down, sitting or standing. A simple starting technique is to contract the pelvic floor muscles for one second, then relax the muscles for one …

What are the benefits of pelvic floor exercises?

Pelvic floor exercises can benefit both men and women who suffer from incontinence. These exercises are particularly useful for women who have given birth vaginally and have stretched or strained pelvic floor muscles. Women who have …

Will I need to continue performing pelvic floor exercises?

The exercise regimen must be maintained to keep pelvic floor muscles in shape.

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About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1350 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Bacterial vaginosis

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