Home > Living with... > Bowel problems > Pelvic Floor for Women
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Women
The floor of the pelvis is made up of layers of muscle and other tissues. These layers stretch like a hammock from the tailbone at the back, to the pubic bone in the front. It is the muscle that supports and helps to control the bladder and the bowel and also assists with sexual function and sensation. The pelvic floor can be strained during pregnancy and childbirth, from lifting heavy objects or straining to empty the bowel. It is important to keep your pelvic floor muscles firm and strong.
Recent research has shown that with the help of a physiotherapist, an individual program of exercises can help bladder and bowel control. Proper pelvic floor muscle training will help a woman throughout her life, for example, during pregnancy, to help the body cope with baby's weight, and during menopause as the muscles change and possibly weaken.
It is important to do pelvic floor muscle training properly. Talk to a continence nurse or physiotherapist about a bladder control checkup and an individual training program.
Have a look at the brochure Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Women.
Page last updated 29 Feb 2008