Man and woman of all ages may experience problems with their bladders, bowel, or sex life. These problems could be owing to weak pelvic floor muscles. It’s important for both men and women to exercise these muscles.
WHAT ARE PELVIC FOOR MUSCLES?
The Pelvic floor muscles Span the bottom of the pelvis. They are core muscles that support the pelvic organ and control the bladder and bowel. When toned, they also help with sexual function and satisfaction.
WHAT CAUSES WEAK PELVIC FOOR MUSCLES?
There are many possible causes of pelvic floor muscle weakness,:
- Pregnancy child birth
- After Prostate/Pelvic Surgery
- Long term conditions or health problems such as a persistent cough or multiple sclerosis
- Obesity
- Constipation or persistent training of empty bowel
- Menopause/Hormonal changes
- Aging
- High Impact Sports
- Repeated Heavy Lifting
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEAK PELVIC FlOOR MUSCLES?
Symptoms of weak pelvic floor muscles include:
- Urinary leakage on coughing, laughing, sneezing exercises or walking down stairs.
- Not being able to get to the toilet in time to empty the bladder or bowel.
- Difficulty emptying bladder or bowel.
- Loss of sexual satisfaction
- Women may develop a prolapse. This may feel like pelvic discomfort or the sensation of something coming down.’
- Men may find it difficult to achieve or maintain erection