The pelvic floor, comprising muscles and connective tissues, spans the base of the pelvis and plays a crucial role in supporting bowel, bladder, and sexual function. For optimal function, these muscles need to be strong, flexible, and coordinated. However, when the pelvic floor muscles become tight or overactive, they can get stuck in a contraction, leading to poor blood flow and irritated nerves. This tightness can cause significant pain, especially when moving or touching the area.
Are you wondering if you might have a tight pelvic floor? The signs typically manifest in two major ways: bathroom dysfunction and pain.
Bathroom Dysfunction
One of the primary signs of a tight pelvic floor is frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you're experiencing symptoms similar to a UTI—such as vulvar and urethral pain and a constant urge to urinate—but no infection is present, your pelvic floor might be the culprit. This condition can cause you to feel like you need to sprint to the bathroom every few minutes, only to pass a few drops. Urinary urgency, defined as a sudden and strong need to urinate that is difficult to control, is another common symptom.
Constipation is another indicator. For normal bowel movements, pelvic floor muscles must relax and lengthen to allow stool to pass. If these muscles are too tight, they can't do this effectively, making bowel movements difficult and often painful. This can lead to straining, large impacted stool, hemorrhoids, or fissures (small cuts in the fragile anal tissues), further exacerbating the pain.
Pain
Pain during intercourse is a common symptom of a tight pelvic floor. The muscles may be painful when touched or stretched during penetrative or non-penetrative sex. Painful pelvic examinations or difficulty inserting tampons can also indicate muscle tension in this area.
Additionally, tailbone pain, known as coccyx pain, can result from a tight pelvic floor. These muscles attach to the tailbone, and if they are overly tight, they can pull on it, causing discomfort.
Other symptoms might include pelvic pain, low back pain, and hip pain. If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to consult your healthcare provider or a women's health physiotherapist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatments to help you find relief.
References
Biofeedback for pelvic floor dysfunction in constipation - PMC (nih.gov)
Assessment of pelvic floor muscles in women with deep endometriosis - PubMed (nih.gov)