Editing Pelvic floor dysfunction (section)

=== Physical therapy ===
[[Pelvic floor physical therapy|Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training]] is vital for treating different types of pelvic floor dysfunction. Two common problems are uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence both of which stem from muscle weakness. Pelvic floor muscle therapy is the first line of treatment for urinary incontinence and thus should be considered before more invasive procedures such as surgery.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Arnouk A, De E, Rehfuss A, Cappadocia C, Dickson S, Lian F | title = Physical, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Pelvic Floor Disorders | journal = Current Urology Reports | volume = 18 | issue = 6 | pages = 47 | date = June 2017 | pmid = 28585105 | doi = 10.1007/s11934-017-0694-7 | s2cid = 5230186 }}</ref> Being able to control the pelvic floor muscles is vital for a well functioning pelvic floor. Without the ability to control the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor training cannot be done successfully. Pelvic floor muscle therapy strengthens the muscles of the pelvic floor through repeated contractions of varying strength.<ref name=":2"/> Through vaginal [[palpation]] exams and the use of [[biofeedback]], the tightening, lifting, and squeezing actions of these muscles can be determined. Biofeedback can be used to treat urinary incontinence as it records contractions of the pelvic floor muscles and can help patients become aware of the use of their muscles.<ref name="Kopańska_20202">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kopańska M, Torices S, Czech J, Koziara W, Toborek M, Dobrek Ł | title = Urinary incontinence in women: biofeedback as an innovative treatment method | journal = Therapeutic Advances in Urology | volume = 12 | pages = 1756287220934359 | date = 2020-06-25 | pmid = 32647538 | pmc = 7325537 | doi = 10.1177/1756287220934359 }}</ref> PFM training can also increase female sexual satisfaction by improving sexual function and the ability to orgasm.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Verbeek M, Hayward L | title = Pelvic Floor Dysfunction And Its Effect On Quality Of Sexual Life | journal = Sexual Medicine Reviews | volume = 7 | issue = 4 | pages = 559–564 | date = October 2019 | pmid = 31351916 | doi = 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.05.007 | s2cid = 198965002 }}</ref> In men, PFM exercises can also help maintain a strong erection.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-04-29 |title=The big squeeze: welcome to the pelvic floor revolution |url=http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/29/the-big-squeeze-welcome-to-the-pelvic-floor-revolution |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

In addition, abdominal muscle training has been shown to improve pelvic floor muscle function.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mateus-Vasconcelos EC, Ribeiro AM, Antônio FI, Brito LG, Ferreira CH | title = Physiotherapy methods to facilitate pelvic floor muscle contraction: A systematic review | journal = Physiotherapy Theory and Practice | volume = 34 | issue = 6 | pages = 420–432 | date = June 2018 | pmid = 29278967 | doi = 10.1080/09593985.2017.1419520 | s2cid = 3885851 }}</ref> By increasing abdominal muscle strength and control, a person may have an easier time activating the pelvic floor muscles in sync with the abdominal muscles. Many physiotherapists are specially trained to address the muscle weaknesses associated with pelvic floor dysfunction and can effectively treat pelvic floor dysfunction through strengthening exercises.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Vesentini G, El Dib R, Righesso LA, Piculo F, Marini G, Ferraz GA, Calderon IM, Barbosa AM, Rudge MV | display-authors = 6 | title = Pelvic floor and abdominal muscle cocontraction in women with and without pelvic floor dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = Clinics | volume = 74 | pages = e1319 | date = 2019 | pmid = 31778432 | pmc = 6862713 | doi = 10.6061/clinics/2019/e1319 }}</ref> Overall, physical therapy can significantly improve the quality of life of those with pelvic floor dysfunction by relieving symptoms.