The pelvic floor consists of a number of muscles that wrap around the bladder, rectum and the vagina in females. These provide strength helping to maintain continence of both urine and stool, but can also have a major impact on sexual dysfunction.  

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A common reason for pelvic floor weakness in childbirth, but can result from trauma, neurological dysfunction or diseases, prolonged disuse (i.e. after stoma reversal), surgery (gynaecological, anal or rectal surgery), variety of medical related diseases and precipitated by medication. Importantly it is key to exclude cancers and other potentially reversible diseases before embarking on treatments to just resolve or improve symptoms. 

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The pelvic floor is complex and once sinister pathology is excluded and reversible causes treated, conservative management as below can help. Sometimes surgery is required for rectal prolapse in the first instance that maybe treatable in the outpatient setting or require surgery.  It is still advisable to gain expert help and advice to ensure exercises are carried out appropriately and problems are not related to 'high tone' issues that require 'down training'.

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The following links are reliable and importantly updated regularly by the Pelvic Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy Group (POGP).