Everything you always wanted to know about SEX and the PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES, but never had the courage to ask…

The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in continence, pelvic organ support, childbirth and spinal stability. Moreover, the pelvic floor muscles play a an essential role in sexual function for both men and women.

There are a few different layers of muscles in the pelvic floor. The most superficial layer (closest to the skin) has a couple of muscles which are responsible for pumping the clitoris in women and the penis in men, so that they become full and erect during arousal. Therefore, women and men can improve their level of arousal by contracting the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles contract involuntarily and rhythmically between 5-15 times during an orgasm, with the earliest contractions being the most pleasurable.

One of the deepest pelvic floor muscles (furthest away from the skin) is directly responsible for the amount of sensation that women feel during intercourse. Vaginal sensations come mostly from this muscle that loops around behind the vagina. It also affects the amount of sexual sensation that male partners feel during intercourse.

The lining of the vagina does not have many sensory nerve endings; therefore, it does not have a lot of sensation. However, all muscles have special nerve endings within them that respond to stretch. The stronger and firmer a muscle, the more of these nerve endings it has. Stronger and firmer pelvic floor muscles will be stretched by the erect penis, which in turn will increase a woman’s vaginal sensation and boost her ability to achieve orgasm.

The ageing process affects both women and men alike when it comes to sexual function. Generally, muscle mass is lost with ageing, and the pelvic floor muscles are not immune to this process. However, there is plenty of evidence to show that this process can be delayed and sometimes reversed with an active lifestyle and a specific exercise programme. If you are unsure about how strong your pelvic flor muscles are or how to exercise them to their fullest potential, seek an assessment and advice from your doctor or a specialist physiotherapist.

Monica Donaldson – Physiotherapist