As women age, the muscles of the pelvic floor can weaken, which can lead to a number of problems, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and decreased sexual function. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can help to prevent these issues and improve overall pelvic health. Additionally, a strong pelvic floor can also improve sexual satisfaction and childbirth recovery. It is a good idea for all women to perform pelvic floor exercises as part of their overall fitness routine, especially as we get older.
The pelvic floor tightens when hip flexors become less flexible and less mobile. Hip flexors connect the the lower to the upper half of the body from the lower back to the pelvis. This is a VERY important muscle group to pay attention to, especially as we age.
In fact, the #1 most important reason to keep your pelvic floor strong is to prevent a leakage of urinary or fecal matter. This doesn’t need to happen at all, if the pelvic floor is strong.
Your Hip Flexors And Pelvic Floor Work Hand in Hand
Tight hip flexors can be caused by a variety of factors including sedentary lifestyle, repetitive motions, lack of stretching, and muscle imbalances. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause the hip flexors to become shortened and tight, while activities such as running or cycling can cause the hip flexors to become overworked.
This can mean that the hip flexors and pelvis become tight by being too sedentary and potentially overworked or stressed by moving in the wrong position. If we sit for longer periods of time these unhealthy posture patterns set in and then when we do move this creates an unhealthy strain on our body.
Additionally, a lack of stretching and conditioning can contribute to tightness in the hip flexors. Muscle imbalances, such as having stronger quadriceps and weaker hip muscles, can also lead to tight hip flexors. Injuries or underlying medical conditions may also contribute to tight hip flexors as well.
Here are the main signs you need to strengthen your pelvic floor..
9 Signs You Need To Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
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- Urinary incontinence: This occurs when the muscles that support the bladder are not strong enough to keep it closed, leading to leakage of urine. This is an embarrassing condition that must require a strengthening of the pelvic floor in order to fix. Click here if this is an issue you’re experiencing and need support sooner than later.Click Here If You Have Pee Or Fecal Leakage And Need Support Immediately.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: This occurs when the muscles that support the pelvic organs (such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum) are not strong enough, causing them to sag or bulge into the vaginal area.
- Fecal incontinence: This occurs when the muscles that support the rectum are not strong enough, leading to leakage of stool. This is worse than urinary leakage and needs to be dealt with immediately. Click here to find out how to stop this sooner than later and get this fixed.
- Painful sex: A weak pelvic floor can also lead to pain during intercourse as the muscles that support the pelvic organs are not strong enough to support them during sexual activity. This makes one of the most pleasureful experiences difficult to enjoy, another reason to strengthen your pelvic floor.
- Lower back pain: A weak pelvic floor can also contribute to lower back pain as the muscles that support the spine are not strong enough to support the spine properly. This is one of the key symptoms of a weak pelvic floor.
- Constipation: Tight hip flexors can contribute to constipation by making it harder to fully evacuate the rectum.
- Groin pain: Tight hip flexors can cause pain in the front of the hip or groin area.
- Difficulty standing up straight: Tight hip flexors can contribute to poor posture and make it difficult to maintain an upright position.
- Reduced range of motion: Tight hip flexors can limit the range of motion in the hip joint and make it difficult to fully extend the leg.
- Weakness in the legs: A weak pelvic floor can contribute to weakness in the legs, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time.
If you’re looking to strengthen and condition your pelvic floor there are many benefits to this.
Here Are 5 Benefits Of A Strong Pelvic Floor:
- Improved bladder and bowel control: A strong pelvic floor can help prevent urinary incontinence and improve bowel function.
- Enhanced sexual function: A strong pelvic floor can improve sexual sensation and increase the ability to achieve orgasm.
- Reduced back pain: A strong pelvic floor can help support the lower back and reduce pain and discomfort.
- Improved core stability: The pelvic floor muscles are a key component of the core, so strengthening them can improve overall core stability and balance.
- Reduced risk of prolapse: A strong pelvic floor can help prevent prolapse of the uterus, bladder, or rectum.