How do you know if your pelvic floor is weak?

Pelvic Floor Treatment, Maidstone, Kent

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments located at the base of your pelvis. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the bladder, bowel, and, in women, the uterus. They help maintain continence and are vital during childbirth. A strong pelvic floor is essential for good bladder control, sexual function, and overall core stability. So, what are the signs that your pelvic floor isn’t performing as it should be? And what can you do to strengthen it? Read on for everything you need to know.

Key Signs of a Weak Pelvic Floor

A weak pelvic floor can significantly impact your quality of life. If your pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly, you may notice some common signs and symptoms:

• Urinary Incontinence: This includes stress incontinence (leakage when coughing, sneezing, or exercising) and urge incontinence (a sudden, intense urge to urinate).
• Bowel Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements, leading to leakage.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the pelvic area, often accompanied by a noticeable bulge in the vagina.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Reduced sensation, pain during intercourse, or difficulty reaching orgasm.
• Chronic Lower Back Pain: Persistent back pain can be associated with weak pelvic floor muscles.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it might be time to evaluate the strength of your pelvic floor.

Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor

Improving pelvic floor strength involves regular exercise and, in some cases, specialised treatments like Emsella. Here are some effective ways to strengthen your pelvic floor:

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are a simple yet effective way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Here’s how to do them:

• Identify Your Pelvic Floor Muscles: To locate these muscles, try stopping urination midstream. The muscles you use to do this are your pelvic floor muscles.
• Perfect Your Technique: Contract these muscles for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Repeat this 10 times.
• Consistency is Key: Aim to do at least three sets of 10 repetitions daily.

Pilates

Pilates focuses on core strength and stability, which indirectly benefits the pelvic floor. Incorporating Pilates into your routine can help improve overall pelvic floor function.

Emsella: A Modern Solution

In addition to traditional exercises, advanced treatments like Emsella can provide significant benefits for pelvic floor health.

What is Emsella?

Emsella is a non-invasive treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. During a session, you sit fully clothed on a specialised chair that emits electromagnetic pulses. These pulses induce supramaximal contractions in the pelvic floor muscles, effectively providing a workout similar to performing thousands of Kegel exercises.

How It Works

The electromagnetic pulses penetrate deep into the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to contract and strengthen. A typical session lasts about 30 minutes, and you can return to your daily activities immediately afterward. Most people require ten sessions, scheduled twice a week for five weeks, to achieve optimal results.

Benefits and Results

Patients typically report noticeable improvements in bladder control, reduced pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, and enhanced sexual satisfaction. Many experience significant relief after just a few sessions, with full results visible after completing the treatment course.

Recognising the signs of a weak pelvic floor is the first step towards improving your pelvic health. Through regular exercise, like Kegels and Pilates, and advanced treatments such as Emsella, you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and alleviate symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Whether you choose traditional exercises or modern technology, taking proactive steps will enhance your overall well-being and quality of life.

If you’d like to learn more about the treatment options, click here to enquire or to book a consultation.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.