Pelvic Floor Muscle Laxity & Urinary Leakage

Urinary leakage is a condition where urine cannot be completely controlled, often accompanied by accidental urine leakage. This issue can negatively affect a person’s quality of life, but it can be managed by understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Symptoms of urinary leakage include urine leakage, frequent urination, and incontinence. It can be caused by various factors, including pelvic floor muscle laxity, urethral injury, urinary tract infections, neurological issues, and side effects from certain medications.

What is the Pelvic Floor Muscle？

The pelvic floor, also known as pelvic diaphragm, houses the pelvic floor muscles, which are a group of muscles located at the very bottom of the pelvis. These muscles connect the pubis, coccyx, and other structures, encircling the openings of the urethra, vagina, and rectum. They are responsible for supporting the organs within the pelvis, including the small intestine, large intestine, bladder, female reproductive organs, and male prostate. Additionally, they encase the urethra, rectum, and female vagina while also coordinating functions related to the bladder, intestines, and sexual function. Therefore, pelvic floor muscles are closely linked to sexual function and urinary function.

Causes of Pelvic Floor Muscle Laxity

There are various reasons for the laxity of pelvic floor muscles. Multiple childbirths, being overweight or obese, chronic constipation, hormonal changes during menopause, chronic coughing, and normal aging can all contribute to pelvic floor muscle laxity. The impact of pelvic floor muscle laxity can vary in severity and may lead to issues such as frequent urination, incontinence, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, and sexual dysfunction (such as erectile difficulties and premature ejaculation). It is important to note that these issues do not only affect middle-aged and older individuals, making it crucial to pay attention to pelvic floor muscle laxity early on.

How to Prevent and Manage Pelvic Floor Muscle Laxity？

💡 Muscle Training: Engaging in pelvic floor muscle exercises is an important method for preventing and improving laxity. For example, Kegel exercises can help strengthen and contract the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can be performed by repeatedly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, and it is recommended to do them several times a day.

💡 Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping an appropriate weight can reduce pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, decreasing the risk of laxity.

💡 Proper Bowel Habits: Avoiding chronic constipation and maintaining normal bowel habits can alleviate the burden on the pelvic floor muscles.

💡 Manage Coughing Issues: If you are suffering from chronic cough, seek medical help to reduce the pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.

💡 Rapidly Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles: For individuals with more severe pelvic floor muscle laxity, options like the BTL “Emsella Chair” from the UK can be considered.

💡 Seek Appropriate Treatment: For severe issues caused by pelvic floor muscle laxity, such as prolapse or sexual dysfunction, it is important to consult a doctor and receive appropriate treatment. This may include physical therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, medication, or surgery.