The pelvic floor muscle is a muscle bundle that supports the lower pelvis like a hammock, anchoring critical organs such as the urinary bladder, uterus in women, and rectum in place, regulating the passage of urine and stool, and playing a key role in sexual function. When these muscles weaken or become overly tight, various issues arise, collectively termed pelvic floor dysfunction. Everyday complaints such as dysuria, chronic pelvic pain, and even dyspareunia or back pain are deeply connected to problems in this pelvic floor muscle.
From the perspective of modern medicine, pelvic floor muscle weakness is caused by various factors, primarily pregnancy and childbirth, excessive increases in intra-abdominal pressure from frequent cough, chronic constipation, or heavy lifting, estrogen decline due to menopause, aging, obesity, and poor posture and lifestyle habits. For example, during childbirth, the pelvic floor muscle can stretch and sustain damage, and after menopause, hormonal changes can reduce muscle elasticity. These changes weaken the supportive strength of the pelvic floor muscle, increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, in which the urinary bladder or uterus sags downward.
Neurologically, the pelvic floor muscle is under the complex control of the autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system. Holding or releasing urine occurs through an elaborate neural network among the brain, spinal cord, pelvic floor muscle, and urinary bladder. If the pelvic floor muscle weakens, these nerve signals cannot be transmitted smoothly, which can induce urination disorders such as overactive bladder or urinary incontinence. In addition, the pelvic floor muscle, as part of the core muscles, is closely connected to back pain. Weakness in the pelvic floor muscle causes an imbalance between the abdominal and back muscles, increasing the burden placed on the spine, which can ultimately lead to chronic back pain. Considering that kidney qi deficiency mentioned in Donguibogam is not merely an issue of the kidneys alone, but a concept encompassing the overall decline in lower bodily functions such as reproduction, urination, and growth, it is an insightful interpretation that aligns with modern medicine's pelvic floor dysfunction. Please pay a little more attention to the pelvic floor muscle at the center of our body.
