The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit in the pelvic ring and support the pelvic organs including the bladder, bowel and uterus in females.

 

Correctly functioning pelvic floor muscles are extremely important for women to avoid conditions such a prolapse and bladder and bowel dysfunction.

 

Signs that your pelvic floor muscles may not be functioning properly include:

• Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or laughing

• Not making it to the bathroom in time

• Uncontrolled vaginal or anal wind (flatus) when bending or lifting

• Bulging felt at the entrance to the vagina (prolapse)

• Difficulty emptying the bowel completely

• Tampons not staying in place

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You may be at higher risk of pelvic floor dysfunction if you are:

• Pregnant

• Just had a baby

• Menopausal

• Lifting heavy objects repetitively

• Overweight

• Constipated

• Cough frequently