The pelvic floor is the name given to the hammock-like structure of muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs.
In women, the pelvic organs include from front to back, the bladder, uterus, vagina and the rectum. In men the organs are the bladder, prostate and rectum. The pelvic floor plays a vital role in coordinating and controlling urination, passage of a bowel motion and supporting the reproductive organs.
Problems with the pelvic floor are collectively known as Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD). PFD occurs when the pelvic floor becomes weakened or injured and loses its elasticity, which can then affect urinary, bowel or sexual function.
These conditions are often very embarrassing for people to discuss, even with their doctor, and many people suffer in silence for years. PFD can have a hugely negative effect on quality of life and can limit someone’s ability to exercise and engage in normal social activities. Women are far more likely to be affected by PFD than men due to the potential effects of pregnancy and childbirth (stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and possibly to anal sphincter damage) and menopause in later life, on the pelvic floor muscles.