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The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is composed of muscle fibers of the levator ani, the coccygeus, and associated connective tissue which span the area underneath the pelvis. It is important in providing support for pelvic viscera (organs), e.g. the bladder, intestines, the uterus (in females), and in maintenance of continence as part of the urinary and anal sphincters.
In women, the levator muscles can be weakened by damage or lost nerve input from childbirth, especially in the case of c-sections. These inner unit muscles may also be cut in operations for hernia and hysterectomy. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can lead to development and improved control of the pelvic floor muscles. Improving the control of these muscles may help women who suffer from urinary incontinence, in preventing or diminishing leakage as well as reducing pelvic dysfunction. The urethral sphincter is at least partially responsible for urinary continence in women but intact vaginal support and levator muscle tone also play an important role in female urinary continence. Lost neural support to either the urinary sphincter or levator ani, or lost vaginal support can contribute to an individual woman's urinary incontinence problems.
Unfortunately, damage to the pelvic floor not only contributes to urinary incontinence but can lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs in women when pelvic organs (e.g. the vagina, bladder, rectum, or uterus) protrude into or outside of the vagina. The causes of pelvic organ prolapse are not unlike those that also contribute to urinary incontinence. These include inappropriate (asymmetrical, excessive, insufficient) muscle tone and asymmetries caused by trauma to the pelvis. Age, childbirth, family history, and hormones all likely contribute to the development of pelvic organ prolapse. The vagina is suspended by attachments to the perineum, pelvic side wall and sacrum via attachments that include collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle. Repair of lost vaginal support may involve surgery.
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"Pelvic floor"