Understanding the Anatomy and Function of your Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is made up of muscles and supportive tissues that act as a hammock to support the organs and structures in the lower abdomen: the bladder, the uterus and the rectum.

One of the main functions of this group of muscles is that it helps a woman to maintain control over her bladder.

The pelvic floor muscles are almost constantly active; that is why it is important to keep them strong. The pelvic floor muscles are relaxed right before and during voiding. The tone of the pelvic floor muscles at rest for maintaining urinary continence (avoiding unwanted leaking of urine) may be more important than the strength exerted by the muscles when these are actively contracted.

The nerves of the pelvic floor and lower abdominal structures coordinate and control the structures through circuits in the brain and spinal cord. It is important to know that the muscles of the pelvic floor can be actively controlled or trained.

All these interconnected body structures act together to support the lower abdominal organs and structures and to preserve urinary and intestinal continence throughout a woman’s life.

Preserving your pelvic muscle tone is part of remaining in good physical shape and preventing urinary incontinence.

For more information on pelvic floor reeducation:

• Kegel Exercises
• Pelvic Floor Reeducation with LadySystem® Vaginal Cones
• How to Use LadySystem® - Video Presentation

Last update: June 21, 2011