Functie en disfunctie van de bekkenbodem

Abstract

Withagen MIJ. Function and dysfunction of the pelvic floor. Huisarts Wet 2015;58(11):600-3. Pelvic floor disorders are common. The muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor support the pelvic organs and span the bottom of the pelvis. Additional contraction of the muscles maintains continence, whereas relaxation at the appropriate moment allows urination, defaecation, intercourse, and birth. Underactive pelvic floor muscles that provide too little support can give rise to urinary and faecal incontinence and vaginal, rectal, or bladder prolapse. In contrast, overactive pelvic floor muscles can give rise to dyspareunia, constipation, overactive bladder, recurrent urinary tract infections, and chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. Although patients often experience several symptoms at the same time, one is usually more pronounced. This is why it is important to ask about the various, sometimes very different, symptoms and their association, in order to get a complete picture. Pelvic floor physiotherapy has an important role in treatment.