Around 60% of women will suffer from some pelvic floor disorder throughout their lives. Pelvic floor dysfunction in women can primarily occur in two phases of life when these areas are weakened: motherhood (pregnancy and postpartum) and during the transition to menopause.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a muscular and ligamentous structure that closes the lower abdominal cavity and provides adequate support to three systems: reproductive, digestive (rectum), and urinary (bladder and urethra). It is very important to maintain good health as it supports vital functions such as sexuality, the continence of urine and feces, and reproduction; any dysfunction should be treated to avoid greater problems.

It is recommended to strengthen and rehabilitate this area daily, but we must be aware of the importance of caring for it, especially after the age of 30.

What are the possible causes of a weakened pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor can be affected by pregnancy or childbirth, but also by other causes such as obesity, chronic constipation, sedentary lifestyle, or participating in high-impact sports.

What are the symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor?

Symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor include: difficulty starting to urinate or completely emptying the bladder, loss of urine when laughing or coughing, frequent need to urinate, etc. In more severe cases, fecal incontinence and uterine prolapse can occur, meaning the descent of the uterus outside the vagina.

How can I strengthen my pelvic floor?

If you have a weak pelvic floor, you should seek help from a physiotherapist specialized in this musculature. Among the exercises that are usually recommended to restore tone to your pelvic floor are hypopressive abdominal exercises or Kegel exercises.

Does pelvic floor dysfunction affect fertility?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence that pelvic floor dysfunction is a cause of infertility. However, these dysfunctions may be associated with difficulty and pain during sexual intercourse, indirectly hindering natural conception. Additionally, pelvic floor dysfunction is also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis, but it is often a symptom of these conditions rather than the cause itself.

And what about after giving birth?

In the weeks following the arrival of the baby, it is advisable to avoid any intense physical exercise and have a specialist evaluate the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor before engaging in physical activity.

For comprehensive details about IVF In Vitro Fertilization, please refer to the treatments section.