The pelvic floor muscles are located between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone within the pelvis. They support the bowel and bladder (as well as the uterus and vagina in females).
Muscular bands (sphincters) encircle the urethra, vagina and anus as they pass through the pelvic floor. When the pelvic floor muscles are contracted, the internal organs are lifted and the sphincters tighten the openings of the vagina, anus and urethra. Relaxing the pelvic floor can allow for easy passage of urine and faeces. The pelvic floor muscles are very important in sexual function with a relaxation/ contraction combination allowing fun and pleasureable sex.
If your pelvic floor muscles are not functioning well, the internal organs will lack full support. This may stop you from being able to control your urine, faeces or wind.
Common causes of a weakened pelvic floor include pregnancy, childbirth, prostate cancer treatment in males, obesity and the associated straining of chronic constipation.
Pelvic floor exercises are designed to improve your muscle tone. In addition they improve your brain connection to these muscles. Doing these exercises may prevent the need for corrective surgery.