WHAT ARE THE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES 

The pelvic floor muscles surround the vagina, rectum and urethra (urine tube). It stretches from pubic bone to tail bone forming a sling. These muscle are not connected to the leg muscles

The pelvic floor muscles are voluntary muscles that can be improved with exercise.

The functions of these muscles are:

• SUPPORTIVE-provide Support to hold the organs up all day
• SPHINCTERIC-provide Sphincter Control to quickly close of the urethra and prevent leaking with cough or sneeze

FINDING YOUR PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES

Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help hold urine inside the bladder and help prevent leakage. These are commonly called "Kegel" or pelvic floor muscle exercises, named after the doctor who developed them.  There are several ways to find your pelvic floor muscles. When contracting the muscles, women will feel a slight pulling in the rectum and vagina. Men will feel a pulling in of the anus and movement of the penis. Every person is unique, and different techniques work for different people. 

There are several techniques to "find" your pelvic floor muscles

• Everyone, at one time or another, has been in a crowded room and felt as if he or she were going to pass gas or "wind." Imagine that this is happening to you. Most of us will try to squeeze the muscles of our anus to prevent the passing of gas. These muscles being squeezed are your pelvic floor muscles. If you feel a "pulling" sensation at the anus, you are using the right muscles.
• For women, lie down and insert a finger into your vagina. Try to squeeze around your finger with your vaginal muscles. You should be able to feel the sensation in your vagina, and you may also be able to feel the pressure on your finger. If you can, then you are using the right muscles. If you cannot detect any movement with one finger, try two fingers.
• For men, stand in front of a mirror and watch your penis. Try to make your penis move up and down without moving the rest of your body. If you can, you are using the right muscles.
  
  
  

NOTE: You may not find your pelvic floor muscles immediately. Many people have to take their time with this. If you continue to have difficulty and your problem persists, please contact my clinic for a specific pelvic floor evaluation.