The pelvic floor influences sexual function in a many ways. The pelvic floor muscles cross all three openings of the urethra, vagina and rectum. A dysfunction in the urinary, gastrointestinal or reproductive system can influence the muscular tension in the pelvic floor. More often than not, the pelvic floor muscles are in a tight or guarded position. This can create a problem with intimacy since the muscles need to be supple and relaxed enough to stretch for penetration. This altered tension can also influence sensation during intimacy, that can prevent pleasure and the ability to climax. The vagina is made of smooth muscle, the same muscle in blood vessels, and is an involuntary muscle. Th
The focus of exercise in the postpartum period should be on pelvic girdle stabilization. The ligaments that hold the joints in place, known as form closure, are stretched out and become permanently deformed as a result of extra hormones in pregnancy. This requires extra help from the muscles, or force closure, that hold the pelvic girdle together. Muscles required for stabilization include the gluteus maximus, the inner thighs and and the deep core. The deep core is a system that includes the diaphragm, pelvic floor, transverse abdominus and multifidus. When the core system is working as it should, dysfunction and pain does not occur. However, since pregnancy disrupts the core in ALL women,
