The pelvic floor is the structure at the base of the bony pelvis. The pelvic floor muscles attach from the pubic symphysis at the front and the coccyx at the back and on to the pelvic side walls. These muscles are like a sling or a hammock. They are called skeletal or striated muscles and are the same type as other muscles in the body e.g. legs, arms, back and abdomen. They are under our voluntary control so can be exercised and strengthened.

As well as the muscles, the pelvic floor also contains ligaments, fascia, nerves, and blood vessels.

The pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in: