A Urogynecologist is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist who has specialized in the care of women with Pelvic
Floor Dysfunction. The pelvic floor is made of layers of muscles
stretching like a tight hammock from the pubic bone in the front, to the base of the spine. There are three openings through
the pelvic floor - for the urethra (the duct from which urine is discharged from the bladder), the vagina and the bowel. The
pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or surgery.
When the pelvic floor muscles
are strong they help to support the bladder, urethra, vagina, uterus and bowel in their correct position. These muscles contribute
to the closing mechanism of the urethra and anus. The urethra and anus each have a sphincter (the zone responsible for the
closing function). Pelvic floor muscles help to close the sphincters. These muscles can be tightened or relaxed voluntarily.
They can also contract involuntarily as they do during orgasm.
What are the effects of weakened pelvic floor muscles?
- the sphincters may not close as tightly allowing leakage from your bladder or bowel.
- decreased sexual sensation
