If you have these complaints, pay attention to your pelvic floor muscles.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Ayşe Şener Boduç stated that complaints such as urinary and fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, strengthening muscles after childbirth, during menopause, post-prostate surgery in men, and urination disorders in children can be addressed through pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Dr. Ayşe Şener Boduç, a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist from Acıbadem Kayseri Hospital, provided information about pelvic floor rehabilitation. She pointed out that the pelvis, also known as the pelvic bone, is the lowest part of the abdomen, encompassing the hip bones, bladder, and rectum. She explained that this basin-shaped area between the abdomen and thighs supports the weight of the upper body and transmits it to the legs, enabling actions such as standing, walking, and sitting. Referring to the responsibilities of the pelvic floor muscles, Dr. Boduç said, “These muscles support the bladder, intestines, and reproductive organs; they help retain urine and feces; they contribute to the regulation of sexual functions. Additionally, if these muscles are strong, a pregnant woman can have an easier delivery.”

“Can lead to urinary incontinence and sexual problems”

Dr. Boduç indicated that pelvic floor muscles need to be strengthened in order to successfully carry out their functions. She stated, “Pelvic floor muscles are those that support organs like the bladder, uterus, and intestines located in the pelvic region. Weakness of these muscles can lead to various health issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.”

Dr. Boduç recommended pelvic floor rehabilitation to increase the strength and endurance of pelvic floor muscles, suggesting that this could enable the control of urine and feces, prevent pelvic organ prolapse, improve sexual functions, and reduce pelvic pain. Speaking about the conditions that necessitate this rehabilitation, Dr. Boduç stated, “Pelvic floor rehabilitation should be conducted in cases of urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and to strengthen muscles in the postpartum period, during menopause, post-prostate surgery in men, and urination disorders in children, such as bedwetting.”

“The treatment plan should be personalized”

Dr. Boduç outlined that pelvic floor rehabilitation includes various exercises, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, magnetic field therapy, lifestyle changes, and patient education in physical therapy. She emphasized the necessity for treatment plans to be tailored individually since every patient’s condition is different. Highlighting that the methods applied are shaped according to the specific needs of the patient, she added that pelvic floor rehabilitation significantly enhances the quality of life for individuals experiencing issues related to pelvic floor muscles.