Pelvic Floor Basics – Anatomy & Function

The pelvic floor plays an important role in the body. It supports the pelvic organs, helps with bladder and bowel control, and helps manage the pressure that builds up in the abdomen throughout the day.

At the same time, the pelvic floor is something many of us don’t really think about until later in life – for example during pregnancy, after childbirth or when the body starts to change in other ways. Understanding your pelvic floor starts with knowing how it is built and what it actually does.

What exactly is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles and connective tissue at the bottom of the pelvis. It stretches from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back and between the sitting bones on either side, forming a strong but flexible structure that supports the pelvic organs.

The pelvic floor is made up of several muscles that work together with connective tissue and nerves. These muscles surround the openings of the urethra, vagina and rectum and play an important role in controlling urination, wind and bowel movements.

Your pelvic floor's important functions

The pelvic floor has several important functions. One of its main jobs is to support the pelvic organs. The bladder, uterus and rectum sit above the pelvic floor, and the muscles and connective tissues help keep them in their normal position.

The pelvic floor also plays an important role in continence. The muscles work together with the sphincters around the urethra and rectum, helping you control when you hold urine, wind or stool – and when you let go.

The pelvic floor also helps manage pressure in the abdomen. When this pressure increases, the pelvic floor helps support the area and manage the extra load.

How pregnancy and childbirth affect the pelvic floor

During pregnancy, your pelvic floor is put under increasing strain. As the uterus grows and pressure in the abdomen increases, the tissues of the pelvic floor gradually stretch and adapt.

Pregnancy hormones also make the connective tissue more flexible. This is a natural part of the body preparing for birth, but it can also make the pelvic floor more vulnerable during this time.

During a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor stretches considerably as the baby passes through the birth canal. The muscles and connective tissues are put under significant strain, and in some cases, there may be perineal tearing or changes to the nerves in the area.

After birth, the body begins to heal and adjust. How quickly your pelvic floor regains its strength and function will vary from person to person.

Why is it important to take care of your pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor plays an important role in supporting the pelvic organs and controlling the bladder and bowels. So when the way your pelvic floor works changes, it can affect several parts of everyday life.

After periods of increased strain, the pelvic floor may need time to regain its strength and function. Taking care of your pelvic floor is therefore about giving your body time and the right conditions to recover – and paying attention to what your body is telling you.

Understanding how your pelvic floor works can make it easier to recognise changes and give it the support it needs throughout different stages of life.