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The 5 S’s of Pelvic-Floor Function

The “Five S’s” is a mnemonic encompassing the five major functions of the pelvic floor. Here's what they are.

By Lauren Bedosky | Experience LifeOctober 23, 2023

a woman sits on the floor holding butterfly pose

Support: The sling of muscles, fascia, and ligaments supports the organs inside the abdominal cavity and the pelvis, which include the sexual organs, bladder, and intestines.
Sphincter: The pelvic-floor muscles allow for the appropriate opening and closing of the urethral and anal sphincters, ensuring successful urination and bowel movements while simultaneously preventing leakage of urine and fecal matter.
Sex: The pelvic floor muscles relax and contract, allowing for penetration, arousal, and orgasm.
Stability: The pelvic floor stabilizes the torso and allows for dynamic movement of the extremities. It plays a central role in breathing and regulating pressure in the intra-abdominal cavity.
Sump pump: The pelvic floor helps move blood and lymph fluid through the pelvis and up into the trunk of the body.

Pelvic-floor health is an important, yet often overlooked, component of overall well-being. Discover how to keep this group of muscles strong and healthy by learning more at “Your Fit and Functional Pelvic Floor“, from which this article was excerpted.

By Lauren Bedosky

Lauren Bedosky is a Twin Cities–based health-and-fitness writer.

General Health

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