LEARN
Understanding Your Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, connective tissue and ligaments that form a supportive sling at the base of your pelvis. These muscles support your bladder, bowel and uterus, while the urethra, vagina and rectum pass through them.
When your pelvic floor is functioning well, it helps to:
- Support your pelvic organs
- Maintain bladder and bowel control
- Respond to increases in abdominal pressure during activities such as coughing, sneezing, lifting and running
- Contribute to core stability and breathing
- Support sexual function
What happens when the pelvic floor isn’t working well?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur when the muscles become weak, overactive, uncoordinated or injured. This may lead to symptoms such as:
These symptoms are common, but they are not something you have to live with.
- Bladder leakage (urinary incontinence)
- Urinary urgency or frequent trips to the toilet
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation or difficulty emptying the bowel
- Accidental bowel leakage
- Pelvic organ prolapse (a feeling of heaviness or vaginal bulging)
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty returning to exercise after pregnancy
How can a pelvic health physiotherapist help?
At Flourish Health Clinic, we provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment for women experiencing pelvic floor concerns throughout all stages of life.
Following a thorough assessment, your treatment may include:
Every treatment plan is tailored to your goals, lifestyle and symptoms.
- Individualised pelvic floor muscle training
- Bladder retraining
- Bowel management strategies
- Education about pelvic health
- Exercise prescription and return-to-exercise guidance
- Pregnancy and postnatal rehabilitation
- Pelvic organ prolapse management
- Pessary fitting and ongoing pessary care
- Advice to help you confidently return to everyday activities and sport
When should you seek help?
You may benefit from an assessment if you are experiencing:
Early assessment and treatment can often prevent symptoms from worsening and help you return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
- Bladder or bowel leakage
- A sensation of vaginal heaviness or bulging
- Persistent constipation
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intimacy
- Pregnancy or postnatal concerns
- Difficulty returning to running or exercise
- Ongoing bladder or bowel symptoms that are affecting your quality of life