Anatomy: The Female Pelvis

I can't take credit for drawing this one but I did label it! This shows the bony features of the female pelvis and where the pelvis floor muscles are located. 



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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Part 1

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The risk of Pelvic Organ Prolapse can increase with pregnancy and vaginal delivery, however may occur even without any pregnancies and can even happen to men! What is it?  'Prolapse' comes from the latin word prolabi which means "to fall out". Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) involves the descent of the pelvic organs; the bladder, bowel or uterus, into the vaginal space.  The degree of prolapse is measured on a scale of 0-4, determined by how much the organs have moved toward the opening of the vagina or if they are protruding outside the body. This may be observed by your family doctor, OB/GYN, birth professional or pelvic health physiotherapist by asking you to cough or hold your breath and bear down for 8 seconds to determine the extent of the prolapse.  The female pelvic anatomy (larger pelvic outlet and open space of the vagina) combined with our upright posture makes women particularly vulnerable to this condition. However, men can also experience similar ...
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Too short, too long or just right?

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I realise that I've been going on and on about shortened pelvic floor muscles, but what are they really?  Muscles have a very specific length that allows them to function optimally according to a length-tension (strength) relationship.  Length-Tension Relationship* This demonstrates that a muscle that is too short or too long has a decreased ability to contract compared to when it is within it's ideal range. A tight muscle is not necessarily a strong muscle, instead it is unable to function and respond appropriately to required demands because it is never able to contract through its full range.  Shortened pelvic floor muscles can manifest in many different ways: Stress urinary incontinence - leaking with cough/sneezing, laughing, running and jumping Pelvic pain - tailbone , pubic bone, SIJ or lower back pain Pain with sex Decreased sensation or difficulty achieving orgasm with sex Constipation Higher risk of perineal tearing with a vagina...
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Part 2

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See Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Part 1 for information on what a prolapse is and some of the causing factors.  What can be done about it? !!Prevention!!:  As the support of the muscles underneath the pelvic organs decreases, the strain on the ligaments holding them increases and they eventually stretch beyond the point of no return. Ensuring good body alignment and m aintaining pelvic health and function of the muscles is key at any stage of life, but essential  during your pregnancy and leading up to delivery. Restoring optimal function of the core abdominal muscles and learning how to properly relax the pelvic floor muscles for bowel movements can help to decrease the overall pushing and strain required. Preparing your body for pregnancy to increase the space in the pelvic outlet (obstetrical conjugate) and yield of the pelvic floor muscles can help to decrease the amount of force required to get the baby out ( read less Valsava-ing ), as well as prevent perineal tea...
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