Keeping the pelvic floor healthy

Abstract

Female pelvic floor muscles form a diaphragm that spans the entire pelvic cavity. They consist of the fibers of the coccygeus and the levator ani muscles, the latter of which is composed of five parts. Together with their fascia, the pelvic floor muscles provide support for the urethra, the vagina, and the rectum and constrict the urethral, vaginal, and anal orifices. Alterations in the composition of the pelvic floor muscles at menopause appear to affect their properties and, thereby, their ability to function adequately. This can lead to an increased prevalence in urinary incontinence and other lower urinary tract dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This article aims to define the pelvic floor muscles and functions and to summarize the direct and indirect changes to women’s pelvic floor muscles during and after menopause and through aging. A particular focus is also given to the evidence-based literature on how to keep pelvic floor muscles healthy during menopause and in postmenopause using conservative management therapy.

摘要

女性盆底肌形成横跨整个盆底的横膈膜。它们由尾骨肌和肛提肌组成, 后者由五部分组成。盆底肌与筋膜一起为尿道、阴道和直肠提供支撑, 并收缩尿道、阴道和肛门。更年期盆底肌组成发生变化可能会影响其性能, 从而影响它们充分发挥功能。这可能导致尿失禁和其他下尿路功能障碍、盆腔器官脱垂和更年期泌尿生殖综合征患病率增加。本文旨在明确盆底肌及其功能, 并总结绝经期、绝经后和衰老后女性盆底肌的直接和间接变化。特别关注了有关如何应用保守管理与治疗方法在绝经期和绝经后保持盆底肌健康的循证文献。

Keywords:

• Pelvic floor
• aging
• conservative management
• exercises
• lifestyle modification
• physiotherapy
• prevention

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Nil.