Understanding your pelvic floor

Your Pelvic Floor

By Emily Bell

11/03/2024

Firstly, it is a great opportunity to understand the anatomy and function of your pelvic floor.

Your pelvic floor is oriented like a hammock, starting from your pubic bone at the front of your pelvis, to your tailbone at the back. This assists with the function of the pelvic floor.

Support of your pelvic organs
Maintaining urinary and faecal continence
Sexual function

Pre & postnatal is a great time to see a Women's Health physio. Your physiotherapist can go through birth prep with you, discussing any risk factors you may have and how you can reduce those risks, teach you birthing positions and how to relax your pelvic floor with pushing and how to complete perineal massage, to name a few. These will help improve your birth outcomes and recovery postnatally. Postnatally, your physio can assess abdominal separation, pelvic floor assessment and safe return to exercise based on your goals.

Even if you’ve had a baby, it is never normal to experiencing pelvic floor symptoms. If you’re experiencing urinary or faecal incontinence, symptoms of prolapse such as dragging/heaviness, incomplete bladder or bowel emptying or sexual pain, speak to your WH physio.

Pre & post menopause can lead to symptoms arising as mentioned above.

It’s never too late to come in for an assessment!

pelvic floor muscles