Weak pelvic floor is a medical condition in which the pelvic floor muscle weakens, resulting in urinary and bowel incontinence. It can be quite upsetting and may cause one to withdraw from social situations. It can be dealt with effectively and efficiently.
Both men and women may be affected by the condition. The pelvic floor in a woman’s body supports the uterus, vagina, bladder and the bowel, while in a man’s it supports the bladder and bowel. It stretches from the pubic bone to the tailbone.
Cause for Weak Pelvic Floor, the pelvic floor muscle can weaken because of physical stress and due to hormonal imbalance in the body. Some of the common reasons include the physical stress of pregnancy and childbirth, and hormonal changes caused due to menopause. Obesity can also place pressure on this muscle and weaken it. Constipation and persistent coughing are two other causes that can put strain on the pelvic floor and weaken it.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor include urinary and bowel incontinence when coughing, laughing, sneezing and running. Backaches may also be indicative of this ailment. Some women find that tampons become dislodged from the vagina as it is not well supported by the pelvic floor. It may also disrupt sexual activity and make the process less pleasurable and satisfying.
Effective Solutions
For some people, a weakened pelvic floor may cause a minor inconvenience such infrequent episodes of leaking urine. For others it may affect their lifestyle and their sexual experiences. This medical condition can make one socially awkward and can affect a person’s confidence.
It is possible to prevent and treat this condition by performing some muscle strengthening exercises. The Kegel exercises focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles by tensing and relaxing them several times during an exercise session. These exercises can be performed at any time of the day, and almost anywhere. Experts recommend that the Kegel exercises be performed several times daily.
Sometimes, the pelvic floor muscle may be weakened due to constipation. A diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables can help. It is also a good idea to increase water intake. If obesity is the cause, weight loss is the best solution. A combination of exercise and healthy eating would be useful.
If the pelvic muscles have been weakened due to chronic coughing, it is imperative to seek medical attention. As the coughing subsides, the strain on the pelvic floor should reduce. However, in the meantime it would be wise to regularly practice the Kegel exercises.
