Pelvic floor muscle exercise for prevention of pelvic floor disorders at each life stage in women

Abstract

Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in inner unit functioning related to excretion, reproduction, support of pelvic organs, posture, and respiration, while their weakening is a characteristic health problem for many women. The pelvic floor is closely related to women’s life events, and protection and strengthening of the pelvic floor in accordance with life stages will lead to the prevention of pelvic floor disorders (pelvic frailty). Pelvic floor muscle exercises may be the first choice for prevention, improvement, and/or conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscle groups. Also, pelvic floor muscle exercises can be done on a daily and continuous basis as a fitness activity; but proper assessment and practice with appropriate methods are important. In addition, an integrated program that includes lifestyle modification can enhance its effectiveness. In order to realize the lifelong well-being of women, there is a need to further develop effective pelvic floor exercises in creating a more comprehensive prevention-care health system for society.