Why Pelvic Health Is Important
1. Your pelvic floor keeps several vital organs, including your bladder, rectum, and intestines, in place. You can think of your pelvic floor as a "hammock" that supports these organs and allows them to function properly. In women, pelvic floor muscles support the vagina, uterus, and cervix.
2. Your pelvic floor muscles work with your hip, back, and abdominal muscles to help stabilize your upper body. You can thank your pelvic floor muscles for helping you stand upright and walk.
3. In both men and women, pelvic floor muscles contribute to healthy sexual function. Pelvic floor health is often associated with women's health, but it's important for men, as well. In people of all genders, these muscles contract and release during sex, which means they contribute to sexual function and sensation.
4. Strong pelvic floor muscles allow you to maintain bladder and bowel control. A strong pelvic floor allows you to control bodily functions, such as urination and defecation, associated with these organs. One common symptom of weak pelvic floor muscles is incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises, or kegels, can help strengthen these muscles.
5. During pregnancy, healthy pelvic floor muscles reduce strain. A strong pelvic floor can also decrease the likelihood of some complications during labor and delivery. The muscles of the pelvic floor stretch to accommodate a growing baby, and they can undergo a lot of strain before, during, and after birth.
