You may have heard of the pelvic floor, but many people don’t know all the functions of the pelvic floor. Most people’s first thought about the function of the pelvic floor is to contract the muscles, but that is just one of the five different functions these muscles have! The pelvic floor muscles span from the pubic bone in the front to the tailbone in the back.

The pelvic floor muscles have five main functions and it’s easy to remember because you can think of them as the five S’s of pelvic floor function. 

1. Sphincter – The pelvic food muscles function to keep the anus and urethra closed when things aren’t supposed to come out. These muscles prevent leakage of pee and poop.These muscles need to contract to prevent leakage, but they also need to relax to allow you to pee and pop. 
2. Stabilization – The pelvic floor muscles make up the bottom of the pelvic ring. These muscles work with the buttock, hip and abdominal muscles to stabilize the pelvis. 
3.  Support – The pelvic floor muscles provide support so the organs located inside the pelvis don’t fall out. These muscles work to keep the bladder, uterus, rectum in place.
4. Sex – The pelvic floor muscles help with arousal and orgasm. The ability of these muscles to contract and relax are key to a healthy happy sex life. 
5. Sump Pump Action -This function often gets missed but the pelvic floor muscles are vital in helping move fluid in and out of the pelvic area. When the pelvic muscles contract and relax, it helps move blood and lymphatic fluids through the pelvic area. 

If you feel like there is weakness present with your pelvic floor muscles, it can really impact all 5 of these important functions. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help with identifying areas of weakness with your pelvic floor and train the muscles to function better for you. If you would like to speak to one of our therapists, call to speak to one of our physical therapists!