Abstract

The muscles of pelvic floor cover the bottom of the pelvis and support the pelvic organs-bladder and bowel, and uterus in women. When there is weakness of pelvic floor muscles, bladder and bowel control can be affected. The pelvic floor muscles help to control the release of urine faeces and flatus and to delay emptying until it is convenient. The contraction of these muscles, help in lifting the internal organs of the pelvis and tighten the openings of the vagina, urethra and anus. Whereas, when these muscles of pelvic floor are relaxed, they allow the passage of urine and faeces. This function is especially vital if the urethral or anal sphincters (muscles) are not working normally as in many cases of pregnancy or prostate surgery. The pelvic floor muscles in women provide support to the baby during pregnancy and need to be relaxed during the labour. The pelvic floor muscles support bladder and bowel in males. The urethra from the bladder and the rectum from the bowel pass through the pelvic floor. The strong pelvic floor muscles prevent the leaking of urine and faeces. The pelvic floor muscles also help with sexual sensation and function. Many a times, the pelvic floor dysfunction goes unnoticed and the patient keeps wondering about the reasons for constipation and seeks advice from the gastroenterologists and Physicians. The dysfunction goes undiagnosed and later the patient is left with dependency on medications. The role of Physiotherapy plays a vital role in treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in males and its subsequent disorders such as constipation, urinary continence, bloating etc.