Helping Australians with
their pelvic floor
Find out how
The Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is the base of the group of muscles referred to as your ‘core’. These muscles are located in your pelvis and stretch like a hammock from the pubic bone (at the front) to the coccyx or tail-bone (at the back) and from side to side (diagram 1).
The pelvic floor muscles work with your deep abdominal (tummy) and deep back muscles and diaphragm to stabilise and support your spine. They also help control the pressure inside your abdomen to deal with the pushing down force when you lift or strain – such as during exercise.
Find out moreWho's at risk
Some people are more at risk of developing pelvic floor problems than others. These include:
- women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby (postnatal)
- women who have ever had a baby
- women who are going through, or have been through, menopause
- women who have had gynaecological surgery (e.g. hysterectomy)
- men who have had prostate surgery
- elite athletes such as gymnasts, runners or trampolinists
Additional factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing pelvic floor problems include:
- a history of back pain
- previous trauma to the pelvic region such as a fall or pelvic radiotherapy
- ongoing constipation (i.e. regularly straining to empty your bowels)
- a chronic cough or sneeze (e.g. due to asthma, smoking or hayfever)
- being overweight or obese
- heavy lifting on a regular basis – either at work or at the gym
Where to get help?
Pelvic floor (and other bladder or bowel control) problems are not normal. They can be treated, better managed and in many cases - cured.
Speak to a
Nurse Continence
Specialist:
1800 33 00 66
Why talk to a Nurse Continence Specialist
- Confidential and free
- Discuss options for management and treatment
- Advice about funding
- Provide resources
- Details for local continence services
You don’t have to put up with it!
Speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist Now!
Speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist
Information for Fitness
Professionals
Did you know that:
- Almost every exercise your client does affects their pelvic floor?
- Some exercises can harm these muscles in at risks groups, leading to bladder or control problems that can significantly impact theirs lives?
- Bladder and bowel control problems affect almost 4.8million Australian, 80% of which are women?
You, as a fitness professional, are ideally placed to identify and support people with, or at (increased) risk of, pelvic floor problem.
Learn more
More Information
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An initiative of continence.org.au
The Continence Foundation of Australia is the national peak body promoting bladder
and bowel health.