Pelvic floor - Definition

The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is the interior boundary of the pelvis separating it from the perineum. It is composed largely of muscle fibres of levator ani and connective tissue converging on the perineal body, i.e. the pelvic floor muscles. It is important in providing support for pelvic organs, e.g. the bladder, lower intestines, the uterus (in females), and in maintenance of continence as part of the urinary and anal sphincters.

In women, these muscles can be weakened by childbirth, leading to impaired control of some of these internal organs, but in most cases muscle strength can be restored by doing exercises. Such exercise leads to development and control of the pelvic floor muscles, allowing a woman to control her orgasm.

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See also

• Vaginal barbell