The pelvic floor

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is made up of the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments that support the organs and pelvis, connective tissue (fascia) which connects everything together, blood vessels and nerves. These structures form the floor of the pelvis, attaching from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone at the front and extend to the sides of the pelvis.

Why is it important ?

The pelvic floor has many hugely important functions. It acts like a hammock by supporting the bladder, uterus and bowel keeping them in the correct place.

The pelvic floor muscles attach from the pubic bone and sling around the back of the urethra, vagina and the rectum (like a u shape) and reattach back onto the pubic bone. So they help prevent accidental bladder and bowel leakage but they also allow you to pass urine and have a bowel motion.

They have a sexual function too as they improve sensation and orgasm during sexual intercourse

The pelvic floor muscles also work with the abdominal and back muscles to support the pelvis and the spine to help with posture and movement.