What are pelvic floor muscles? Everything you need to know about pelvic floor health

When it comes to discussing pelvic floor muscles, there is a lot of misinformation out there. For starters, the pelvic floor muscles are not just for women—men have them too! In addition, pelvic floor muscles don’t just support your bladder and reproductive organs; they also play an important role in sexual function. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about pelvic floor muscles, including what they are, what they do, and how to keep them healthy.

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that stretch from the tailbone to the pubic bone. These muscles form a bowl-like shape and support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small intestines. The pelvic floor muscles also help to close off the urethra and anus. In men, the pelvic floor muscles support the penis and scrotum

The main job of the pelvic floor muscles is to keep the organs in the pelvis from dropping down into the vagina or rectum. These muscles also play an important role in sexual function by providing sensation and helping with arousal and orgasm. Furthermore, these muscles act as a sphincter to control urination and defecation

There are several things you can do to keep your pelvic floor muscles healthy. First, avoid constipation by eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids. Second, if you smoke cigarettes, now is the time to quit! Smoking can contribute to pelvic floor problems because it decreases blood flow to the area. Third, engage in regular Kegel exercises by contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles for 10 seconds at a time, 5 times per day. And last but not least, avoid excessive strain on your pelvic floor muscles by avoiding heavy lifting and activities that require you to hold your breath such as bearing down during a bowel movement or straining during childbirth

Now that you know all about pelvic floor muscles—what they are, what they do, and how to keep them healthy—you can see why it’s so important to take care of them! By adding Kegel exercises to your daily routine and making other lifestyle changes as needed, you can help keep your pelvic floor healthy for years to come.