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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
If Your Pelvic Floor Is Too Tight, There Are Answers
Even if you're familiar with the pelvic floor muscles, you might be surprised to know how important they are. The pelvic floor, which sits between the tailbone and pubic bone, resembles a hammock that supports your uterus (if you have one), bladder, and rectum, according to the Mayo Clinic. More specifically, the pelvic floor controls bladder and rectal urges, keeps your pelvic organs in place, assists sexual function, and helps support your core and spine, says Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, doctor of physical therapy, and owner of Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles. So when the pelvic floor muscles become too loose or too tight, it can have a significant impact on your daily life.
Before going any further, let's break down what it means to use terms like "too loose" and "too tight" when describing these muscles.
In the case of the pelvic floor, if your muscles lack flexibility, we may also refer to these muscles as overactive or nonrelaxing,"
says Dr. Jeffcoat. In other words: We may experience "nonrelaxing" pelvic floor muscles as tense or tight, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're strong. In fact, Dr. Jeffcoat says that tight pelvic floor muscles can contribute to weakness overall. The complicated nature of this muscle group is why it's so important to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.
The exact reasons for pelvic floor tightness aren't very well understood. Some causes of pelvic floor tightness include psychological factors like stress, holding your pee when you have to go, or co-occurring conditions like vaginismus, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A few tell-tale signs include constipation, straining when you poop, painful penetrative sex, difficulty reaching orgasm, strong urges to pee, increased urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, painful tampon insertion, painful orgasm, and vulvar pain, Dr. Jeffcoat explains. However, sometimes, people who have a tight pelvic floor don't experience any symptoms.
On the other hand, loose or lengthened pelvic floor muscles have different symptoms and causes. Traumas to the region, like pregnancy and childbirth, are common culprits.
During delivery, there may be tearing of pelvic floor muscles and fascial structures that can lead to laxity (looseness),"
Dr. Jeffcoat says. Some symptoms of a loose pelvic floor include urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Additionally, tightness and looseness can co-occur in the pelvic floor (so, as we mentioned, it's essential to talk with your provider about these symptoms).
To learn more about how to tell if your pelvic floor is too tight, continue to the full article here.
