In urinary incontinence, pelvic floor training helps

Instead of medication: In urinary incontinence helps training for the pelvic floor

12/01/2012

Constant coughing can cause a weakness of the pelvic floor muscles in women, which can lead to urinary incontinence. Concerned persons are advised to consult a doctor and to train their musculature. Special pelvic floor exercises can help prevent discomfort.

When coughing tense pelvic floor
Women suffering from chronic bronchitis are advised by Christian Albring from the gynecologist's association to tighten her pelvic floor while coughing. This reduces the pressure on the pelvic floor tissue. Special pelvic floor training can help to control urinary incontinence. Due to the different anatomy women are much more likely than men affected by pelvic floor weakness.

Christian Albring from the professional association of gynecologists advises those affected urgently to visit a doctor for urinary incontinence, because this could have different causes. Obesity, chronic constipation, pregnancy and childbirth, as well as severe physical work can be reasons for overstretching the muscles in the pelvic region. As a result of this overstretching, it can also lead to the lowering of various organs. This can include bladder, uterus and rectum. If it comes to organ lowering can be made worse by the incontinence.

What is pelvic floor training?
The term pelvic floor exercises includes special exercises that strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. A strong pelvic floor is important to prevent urinary incontinence, because loops of the pelvic floor muscles form the bladder muscle. If they are too weak, it also affects the function of the bladder muscle.

Special pelvic floor training includes relaxation and tension exercises of the pelvic floor muscles. Although the exercises are usually easy to learn, it is advisable to first see a physiotherapist or a midwife, because the prerequisite for a successful pelvic floor training is the targeted perception and isolated tensing of the pelvic floor. Since these muscles are not visible inside the body, many people find it difficult to consciously feel this area.

In addition to targeted exercises, even small weights, so-called Feminakonen, or love balls, which are introduced into the vagina, help to train the pelvic floor muscles. (Ag)

Image: Bodo Schmitt