Men's Health...

WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR?
The pelvic floor is the layer of muscle stretching from the pubic bone (in the front) to the tail bone (at the back) and forming the floor of the pelvis. It is the main support structure for the pelvic organs.

WHAT DOES THE PELVIC FLOOR DO?
Supports the bladder and bowel
Helps close off the bladder and bowel outlets to prevent leakage, and relaxation of the pelvic floor allows effective bladder and bowel emptying
May enhance the ability to maintain an erection



COMMON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PELVIC MUSCLE WEAKNESS…Some types of prostate surgery
Neurological problems
Stroke, Parkinson’s disease
Urinary retention
Diabetes
Persistent straining to empty the bladder or bowel with or without constipation
Constipation
Persistent heavy lifting
A chronic cough (from smoking, chronic bronchitis or asthma)
Being overweight
Lack of regular exercise

Once the pelvic floor muscles become weak, your ability to hold urine and or wind during physical activity is compromised. Like any other muscle of the body the more you use and exercise them, the better they will function.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MUSCLES TO TIGHTEN?
The first step is to correctly identify the muscles. Sit comfortably—your thighs, buttocks and tummy muscles should be relaxed. Lift and squeeze inside as if you are trying to hold back urine, or wind from passage. If you are unable to feel a definite squeeze and lift action of your pelvic floor, don’t worry. Even people with very weak muscles can be taught these exercises.
If you feel unsure whether you have identified the correct muscles, try to stop your flow when passing urine, then restart it. Only do this to identify the correct muscles to use—this is a test, NOT an exercise. If you are unable to feel a definite tighten and lift action in your pelvic floor muscles you should seek professional advice.

HOW DO I START MY PELVIC MUSCLE TRAINING?
At first you may need to perform these exercises while sitting. As the muscles strengthen you can progress to exercise standing up. Like any activity, start with what you can achieve and progress from there. Remember to use your muscles whenever you exert yourself during your daily activities.

IF YOU CAN FEEL THE MUSCLES WORKING, EXERCISE THEM BY:
Squeezing/tightening and drawing in and up around both your anus (back passage) and urethra (bladder outlet). Lift up inside and try to hold this contraction strongly for as long as you can (1-10 seconds). Keep breathing!! Now release and relax. You should have a definite feeling of letting go.
Rest 10—20 seconds—repeat previous step, and remember it is important to rest. If you find it easy to hold, try to hold longer and repeat as many as you are able. Work towards 12 long, strong holds.

Now try 5-10 short, fast strong contractions.
Do NOT hold your breath
Do NOT push down instead of squeeze and lift
Do NOT pull your tummy in tightly
Do NOT tighten your buttocks and thighs.

Try to set aside 5—1 0 minutes in your day for this exercise routine, and remember quality is important. A few good contractions are more beneficial than many half-hearted ones and good results take time and effort
Remember to use the muscles when you need them most. That is, always tighten before you cough, sneeze, lift, bend, get up and out of a chair, etc.

How do I improve my exercises...
Increase the length of time and number of holds you do in succession before experiencing muscle fatigue. Work towards 12 long, strong holds.
Increase the number of short, fast contractions—always do your maximum number of quality contractions.

Hints...
Keep your weight within a healthy range for your height and age.
Seek medical advice for chronic cough
Develop good bowel habits

Anticipate that improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength will take 3—6 months of regular training of the muscles.

The best results will be achieved by seeking help from a Physiotherapist (with training in incontinence) who will design an individual training program especially suited to you.