The Importance of the Pelvic Floor
Aug. 14, 2019The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that creates a layer stretching from the pubic bone to the tailbone. This layer or “floor” supports the pelvic organs that lie on top of it, including: the bladder, uterus, small bowel, vagina, and rectum.
What does the pelvic floor do?
Normally the pelvic floor muscles are firm and thick. Think of a trampoline- the pelvic floor is able to move up and down in a controlled way. Although you don’t consciously activate your pelvic floor, every time you urinate or allow bowel movement, you are relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Inversely, every time you hold hold the passage of urine, feces, or gas, you or contracting the pelvic floor and lifting the pelvic organs to tighten to the openings of the vagina, anus, and urethra.
Aside from the activities in the loo, the pelvic floor plays an important role in activities in the bedroom- intercourse and sexual function. In men, it’s important for erectile function and ejaculation. In women, it’s vital for voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor, contributing to sexual sensation and arousal.
The pelvic muscles also provide support for the baby during pregnancy and help push the baby through the canal during the birthing process.
The pelvic floor is integral to core stability and activation, working with the abdomen and back muscles to support the spine and upper body.
Problems with the pelvic floor
Sometimes these muscles develop problems and lead to pelvic floor disorders including Pelvic Organ Prolapse in women, due to childbirth, as a woman ages, obesity, or constipation. In Pelvic Organ Prolapse the pelvic muscles loosen and the pelvic organs “prolapse” or droop. Although some women report no symptoms at all, others notice
- pressure in pelvic area
- pain in low back
- painful intercourse
- a feeling that something is falling out of the vagina
- chronic urge to urinate or leaking of urine
- constipation
- spotting or bleeding from the vagina
Treatments
Pelvic floor disorders can be treated through exercise and lifestyle changes to avoid constipation, quit smoking, and practice pelvic floor muscle training e.g. kegels. The next step would be a non-surgical option, such as inserting a small plastic device called a pessary into the vagina to provide support for the drooping organs. Lastly are surgical treatments, either to repair the affected tissue or organ or to remove the organ (such as removal of the uterus by hysterectomy).
If you have a pelvic disorder, call us for a consultation so we can carefully walk you through the treatment options best for you. Please see Our Services or call us at to schedule an appointment!
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At Golden State Urology in Sacramento, we prioritize personalized treatment plans for each patient, addressing various conditions such as sexual health issues (e.g., vasectomies) and urinary tract conditions (e.g., infections, incontinence, cancers) to achieve optimal results.
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At our urology center, we prioritize patient satisfaction and utilize advanced technology to achieve optimal outcomes for various reproductive and urinary issues, including vasectomies, urinary incontinence, infections, and cancers of the testis, kidney, prostate, and bladder.
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Our Sacramento, CA urologists have 30 years of experience in sexual health, urinary medicine, urologic surgery, and cancers, continually adopting advanced solutions and technology for both men and women.
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FAQ’s
We’re sure you have questions, and we’re here to answer them! Below are some frequently asked questions that might help, but we’re also available via phone or email for anything that might be on your mind!
A urologist is a physician whose specialty is maintaining and studying the male reproductive system and the urinary tracts of both men and women. These specialists are certified in diagnosing and treating many conditions in the genitourinary tract, which encompasses the kidneys, urinary bladder, ureter, urethra, and adrenal glands. A urologist also studies and deals with the male reproductive organs — penis, prostate, testicles, epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, etc. A urologist can also specialize in male fertility as well, performing vasectomies and vasectomy reversals.
Our urologists in Sacramento treat disorders such as urinary tract infections (UTI), kidney stones, hematuria (blood in the urine), kidney cancer, stress incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and cystitis. You will also find a doctor who is skilled in gynecology to address women’s urinary health and in pediatrics to treat urinary issues in children. Golden State Urology employs some of the best urologists in Sacramento with in-depth expertise and extensive experience in treating these conditions.
A urologist can help both men and women struggling with urinary or sexual health issues. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule your consultation with one of our urologists in Sacramento.
Symptoms for Men
- Urinary Issues: Frequent urination, especially at night, urgency, weak or interrupted urine flow, dribbling, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
- Erectile Dysfunction: Problems with achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Testicular Problems: Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles.
- Certain Types of Pain: Pain in the lower back, groin, and pelvis or pain while urinating.
- Blood in the Urine: Visible blood or a pinkish tint to the urine.
- Incontinence: Loss of bladder control or leaking urine.
Symptoms for Women
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent UTIs or recurring infections that require antibiotics.
- Incontinence: Loss of bladder control or involuntary leaking of urine.
- Painful Urination: A burning sensation or pain when urinating.
- Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate often, especially at night.
- Blood in the Urine: Visible blood or a pinkish tint to the urine.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Sensation of pressure or a bulge in the pelvic region.
- Pain in the Lower Abdomen or Pelvis: Persistent or sharp pain in these areas.
A urologist can perform in-depth tests to provide an accurate diagnosis. Our team of urology physicians will also prescribe treatment to resolve the underlying cause and help manage your symptoms.
If you have no urological symptoms, a general check-up every few years is usually sufficient. However, men over 40, those with a history of urological issues, or those at risk for prostate cancer should schedule annual visits.
Participating in a clinical trial can give you access to cutting-edge treatments before they are widely available. However, it’s important to discuss the potential risks, benefits, and eligibility criteria with your doctor to determine if a trial aligns with your health needs.
Screening recommendations vary based on age, sex, and risk factors. Men over 50 (or 40 with risk factors) should consider prostate cancer screening. Women may need regular pelvic exams and UTI screenings. Kidney function, bladder health, and STIs are other considerations. Always consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.
Yes, a family history of conditions like prostate cancer, kidney disease, bladder cancer, or infertility can increase your risk. If certain urological issues run in your family, early screening and lifestyle changes may help with prevention and early detection.
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