What does the term “pelvic floor” mean?
The “pelvic floor” is a term used to describe the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that provide support for a woman’s internal organs in the region known as the pelvis (including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum). More than just keeping the organs in place, the pelvic floor helps ensure that these organs function properly.
For its part, the vagina acts as a support system to the uterus, urethra and bladder. The vagina is a fibromuscular tube or “fascia” covered with vaginal skin called mucosa. The fascia is responsible for the integrity and vaginal wall strength. This fascia is to muscles and ligaments of the pelvis.
To visualize this support structure, envision the fascia as a floor. The floor is covered with carpet, which is skin for this analogy. This skin gives no real assistance in support, it simply acts a covering.
Just like a floor, the fascia is a solid piece of material supporting anything that sits or stands upon it. The floor must be anchored to another structure to add greater strength and stability. In a home, the floor is attached to the walls and foundation. Similarly the vagina is connected to ligaments and muscles for support Vaginal childbirth impacts and weakens supports structures just as an earthquake shakes the integrity of walls in a house.
After childbirth the vagina is stretched and does not return to its original size and shape. This condition, called vaginal relaxation, frequently leads to decreased feelings of friction and loss of sexual satisfaction. Generally, the more vaginal deliveries, the worse the condition. Our blog readers know that this causes many women to experience decreased sensation and sexual satisfaction during intercourse.
Tags: abagyn, aesthetic gynecology, fascia, female anatomy, pelvic floor, pelvic organ prolapse, urogynecologists, vaginal relaxation
Anatomy, Medical Conditions | admin | 
December 8, 2009 11:41 am
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