The majority of American women are weak in the pelvic area and have been using the muscles of the pelvic floor incorrectly since childhood. The reasons for this are varied, but may partially be caused by our sedentary culture with customs that rely on sitting, driving, and labor-saving devices that preclude pelvic exertion. The current trend of general fitness exercise does not affect women's pelvises in a beneficial manner.
The muscles of the pelvic floor help to support the organs in the body contribute to sexual functioning/pleasure, and help support the upright posture. These muscles form a basket of resilient tissue that looks woven and surrounds the anus, vagina, and urethra in a figure-8 pattern and attaches to the clitoris and the body structures of the pelvis by ligaments. The figure-8 pattern that surrounds the vaginal-urethral areas makes up the sphincter muscle that opens and closes with voluntary and involuntary control.
Because the condition of the sphincter which surrounds the urethra and vagina is so often poor in women, concentrating on it on this forum makes sense. However, these muscles work together with others, and pelvic health is indicated by the strength and resiliency of the entire system of muscles, made up by the abdominals, the muscles of the lower back and the muscles of the pelvic floor - the pubococcygeal, or PC muscles.
Dr. Arnold Kegel developed Kegel Exercises to help women with problems controlling urination. Exercises similar to these as well as many others come from sexual-religious practices in Asia and from hula and belly-dancing. These, in particular, are designed to strengthen and give voluntary control of the PC muscle.
Some conditions caused by weak pelvic muscles can lead to surgery and include urinary stress incontinence and uterine prolapse. Other conditions that are improved by strengthening these muscles are menstrual pain, conception difficulties, lower back pain, difficulties during menopause, reduced or absent sexual feelings, difficult childbirth, and slow postpartum recovery.
Many women report increased feelings of pleasure and power in the pelvis and stronger orgasms once they have strengthened these muscles. Since these muscles not only encircle the urinary and vaginal openings but are attached to the area around the clitoris, is it any wonder that these exercises can have the benefit of increased sexual awareness?
A Woman's Core
caring for the inner workings of your body
A Woman's Core
Robin Howe, BSN RN
Continence Nurse Specialist
Call for a consultation 978-869-3352
