Pelvic-floor exercises for incontinence

Most women have little or no idea of where their pelvic-floor muscles are, what they do or how they can be exercised. Assessment and instruction by a specialist physiotherapist should be the first line of treatment for women with stress or urge incontinence or genital prolapse. Without expert instruction a woman may exercise conscientiously but entirely ineffectually. Correct pelvic-floor exercise has been shown to be cost-effective, to have no side effects, and to help women who wish to avoid surgery as well as those who wish to build up the strength of their muscles before surgery. The teaching of effective pelvic-floor exercise is described, and common faults identified. Periodic review by the physiotherapist ensures that the exercises continue to be performed properly, and can help to sustain motivation. Correctly performed pelvic-floor exercise is extremely beneficial and should be continued for life.