However with a third of the population unable to follow written instructions properly it is a good idea to get professional help and seek out a pelvic floor physiotherapist or continence nurse who can help you get the correct technique and train your pelvic floor muscles the right way.
Pelvic floor dysfunction exercises to avoid.
A person should talk to their pelvic floor therapist doctor or physical therapist about whether there are any specific exercises they should avoid after surgery or childbirth.
So before jumping full on into exercise here are a few moves to avoid in the short term.
The pelvic floor consists of the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs including the uterus bladder bowel and rectum in women and the bladder bowel rectum and prostate in men.
Many of my patients with urinary incontinence feel as though they should drink less water to avoid an incontinent episode or frequent trips to the bathroom.
This shouldn t be a reason to avoid exercise though.
In addition some people feel that having strong pelvic floor muscles heightens the pleasure when having sex.
You can get your pelvic floor muscles into better shape by doing pelvic floor exercises every day.
Your pelvic floor supports your organs and helps control your bladder and bowel.
Most symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction from incontinence to prolapse can be treated or prevented but ignoring or abusing our pelvic floor as we age can increase our chances of living with problems.
The risk of pelvic floor strain and injury may be increased in these women since research shows that the pelvic floor is forced downwards with abdominal curl exercises 1.
A little proactive training can go a long way.
If you do pelvic floor muscle exercises after childbirth it may prevent stress incontinence developing later in life.
The common reason for the pelvic floor muscles to become weakened is childbirth.
The pelvic floor acts like a hammock that supports your bladder uterus vagina and rectum says stein.
These muscles look like a hammock or sling stretched from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone in front and from one sitting bone to the other.
Dehydration is not only detrimental to those with pelvic floor dysfunction but can also be an underlying reason for symptoms of dizziness or impaired balance.
A weak or damaged pelvic floor can contribute to pelvic floor disorders like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse so making sure it s not strained during exercise is crucial to your health.
So when the pelvic floor is weak all of these areas can t function as well as they should.