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Guide · Basics

What is the pelvic floor?

In short: The pelvic floor is a layer of muscle and connective tissue in the lower pelvis. It supports the internal organs, controls the bladder and bowel and is involved in stability and sexual function, in both women and men. And: it can be trained.

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Note: This guide is general information and is no substitute for medical advice.

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Anatomy

A hammock of muscle

Picture the pelvic floor like a hammock stretched between the pubic bone, the tailbone and the sitting bones. This layer of muscle and connective tissue closes the pelvis at the bottom and carries the organs above it: bladder, bowel and, in women, the uterus. At the same time, it lets go in a controlled way when needed.

Three tasks

Holding, closing, tensing

1

Holding

Supports the bladder, bowel and, in women, the uterus against gravity.

2

Closing

Keeps the urethra and bowel securely closed: the basis for continence.

3

Tensing & relaxing

Responds to pressure (coughing, lifting) and is involved in sexual function.

4

Stabilising

Works together with the abdomen and back as part of your core.

You can barely feel your pelvic floor? That is normal: Learn to feel your pelvic floor.

What strains it

Why it weaker can become

Pregnancy and birth, hormonal changes (e.g. during menopause), excess weight, a chronic cough, heavy lifting, lack of exercise or operations such as prostate surgery can strain the pelvic floor. Signs such as involuntary urine loss or a feeling of pressure should be clarified with your doctor and can often be supported with targeted training.

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Frequently asked questions

Basics clearly explained.

What is the pelvic floor?+
The pelvic floor is a layer of muscle and connective tissue in the lower pelvis. It closes the pelvis at the bottom, supports the internal organs and is involved in continence, stability and sexual function.
What tasks does the pelvic floor have?+
Holding (supporting the organs), closing (controlling the bladder and bowel) and tensing/relaxing (e.g. when lifting, coughing or during sexual activity).
Do men and women have a pelvic floor?+
Yes, both. In women it is particularly challenged by pregnancy and birth, among other things, in men, for example, after prostate surgery.
What weakens the pelvic floor?+
Among other things, pregnancy and birth, hormonal changes, excess weight, a chronic cough, heavy lifting, lack of exercise or certain operations. Clarifying complaints belongs in a doctor's hands.
Can the pelvic floor be trained?+
Yes. Like any muscle, the pelvic floor can be trained. The right awareness and regularity are important.
Why can I barely feel my pelvic floor?+
That is common, because the muscle lies deep and is rarely consciously engaged in everyday life. Our page on learning to sense it offers help, along with targeted activation with MyPelvi.
What does a first session at MyPelvi cost?+
The first appointment (trial session) is free and non-binding. Other prices vary by location.

Read on: Learn to feel your pelvic floor · How MyPelvi works →

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What is the pelvic floor? Anatomy & function · MyPelvi