The Pelvic Floor: The Muscle Group No One Talks About—But Everyone Depends On
When we talk about strength and longevity, we usually think of legs, arms, and core muscles you can see and feel. But there’s a critical muscle group working quietly behind the scenes—one that supports bladder and bowel control, posture, breathing, sexual function, and stability as we age. That muscle group is the pelvic floor.
Despite its importance, pelvic health has long been treated as either taboo or niche—something discussed only after childbirth, surgery, or when problems become disruptive. Science tells a different story. The pelvic floor is foundational to human movement and independence across the lifespan, for both women and men.
What is the pelvic floor, really?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that span the bottom of the pelvis, forming a supportive “hammock” for the bladder, bowel, and—depending on anatomy—the uterus or prostate. These muscles work in coordination with the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, and spinal stabilizers to manage pressure, support posture, and allow efficient movement.
In other words, the pelvic floor isn’t separate from the core—it is part of it.
Why pelvic health matters for longevity
As with other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor is affected by aging, hormonal changes, inactivity, and overall muscle loss (sarcopenia). Research consistently shows that declines in muscle mass and strength accelerate in midlife, particularly during menopause in women and with age-related testosterone declines in some men. The pelvic floor is not immune to these changes.
When pelvic floor muscles lose strength or coordination, the effects can show up in ways many people quietly normalize:
Urinary leakage with coughing, laughing, or exercise
Urgency or difficulty fully emptying the bladder
Chronic low back or hip discomfort
Reduced confidence in movement or activity
Sexual dysfunction in both men and women
These issues are common—but common does not mean inevitable or untreatable. Clinical guidelines across multiple medical organizations identify pelvic muscle training as a first-line intervention for many of these symptoms.
Pelvic health is not just a women’s issue
Historically, pelvic floor conversations have focused almost exclusively on women, particularly around pregnancy and postpartum recovery. While childbirth is one important factor, it’s far from the whole story.
Men also rely on pelvic floor muscles for bladder control, sexual function, and core stability. Pelvic floor dysfunction in men has been linked to urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and even persistent low back pain. The reason it’s discussed less isn’t because it’s rare—it’s because stigma keeps it out of everyday health conversations.
From a longevity perspective, pelvic health is human health.
The connection to balance, strength, and independence
One of the most overlooked roles of the pelvic floor is its contribution to balance and stability. These muscles help manage intra-abdominal pressure during lifting, walking, and changes in position. When they’re weak or poorly coordinated, the body compensates elsewhere—often increasing strain on the spine, hips, and knees.
As people age, balance and fall risk become major determinants of independence and quality of life. Strengthening visible muscles without addressing the pelvic floor is like reinforcing a building while ignoring its foundation.
Normalizing the conversation
Part of improving pelvic health outcomes isn’t just about exercise or treatment—it’s about language. Talking about the pelvic floor as muscle tissue that can weaken, strengthen, and respond to training helps remove shame and silence from the discussion.
Just as we’ve learned that loss of muscle mass isn’t “just aging,” pelvic floor symptoms aren’t something to quietly accept. They are signals—often early ones—that an important system needs attention.
A quiet cornerstone of aging well
Longevity isn’t only about adding years to life; it’s about maintaining confidence, mobility, and function within those years. The pelvic floor plays a central role in all three.
By bringing pelvic health into the same evidence-based conversation as strength, metabolism, and balance, we move it out of the shadows and into its rightful place—as a core pillar of lifelong health, for everyone.
Pelvic Floor Support at Kirra Health
At Kirra Health, we offer FDA-cleared pelvic floor treatment using BTL Emsella, a non-invasive technology that strengthens and rehabilitates weakened pelvic floor muscles. It is FDA-cleared for stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence in both women and men, and is commonly used in clinical practice to support sexual wellness, post-prostate recovery, and overall pelvic strength. Emsella is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant or who have metal or electronic implants in or near the pelvic or abdominal area, including pacemakers, implanted neurostimulators, hip replacements, or copper IUDs.
If you’re experiencing pelvic floor symptoms—or want to proactively support your pelvic health—schedule a complimentary wellness consult to review your history and explore if this treatment is right for you.
