Approximately half of the women who suffer from urinary incontinence have stress urinary incontinence (stress UI), which is the leakage of urine with effort and physical exertion. Urine leakage can occur with a cough or laugh, with activity such as picking up a child, or during any type of exercise (e.g. running, playing tennis).
Pelvic floor muscle training exercises can help strengthen the muscles under the uterus, bladder, and bowel (large intestine). They can help both men and women who have problems with urine leakage or bowel control.
Health Benefits
· Posture support - Along with your abdominal muscles, your pelvic floor helps to support the spine.
· Flatter stomach and reduced back pain - If you strengthen your pelvic floor, all your organs will be moved back into their elevated place. Resulting in a noticeably flatter stomach and less back pain.
· Avoid a pelvic organ prolapse - It is important to recognize the early warning signs and begin strengthening your pelvic floor immediately to avoid experiencing a pelvic organ prolapse.
· More comfortable pregnancy - Having a strong pelvic floor before you fall pregnant, and throughout your pregnancy, will help support the uterus and keep your bladder from getting pressure put on it which can lead to urine leaks.
· Easier childbirth - But strengthening your pelvic floor is one you can control and can see definite benefits of throughout your labor. The pelvic floor muscles help to move the baby's head into the correct position for vaginal birth.
· Short term post baby, complicated delivery - You can start your exercises as soon as any urinary catheter has been removed.
· Bladder and bowel function - Your bladder and bowel rely on your pelvic floor muscles to work.
