Pelvic Floor Exercises

By strengthening your pelvic floor, you can prevent such issues as incontinence or the involuntary loss of urine or feces and prolapse (caused by a lack of support for the bladder, bowel and uterus). Prolapse mainly occurs due to childbirth, aging, chronic cough, hormonal changes such as menopause, excessive straining due to constipation, constant lifting of heavy objects, obesity or pregnancy.  There may be other issues that cause prolapse, but these are the main reasons why prolapse occurs.  While some cases of prolapse could require surgery it is often very possible to avoid surgery by performing pelvic muscle exercises.

You should make this decision with the advice of your physician and work closely with a professional (either your physician or physical therapist) to determine the types of exercises you should begin with to enhance and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.  Of course, doing these exercises before issues occur is the preferred method; so we strongly suggest that if you are healthy you begin taking care of this area.  As a woman it is going to be an integral part of your well-being.

How To Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

All women should be sure to exercise their pelvic floor muscles and it is recommended that they do this throughout their life.  It’s best to start as soon as a young woman is old enough to understand and practice the exercises and should be continued as long as possible.  It is also highly recommended that women do these exercises daily in order to either prevent weakness or, if needed, improve the strength of the pelvic floor and the pelvic muscles.  As with any muscle, consistent and regular proper exercising will strengthen the muscle.  Even gentle exercise, something as simple as walking regularly, can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.