Abstract:

Pelvic floor muscle structure is important for maintaining sexual health and continence. The contraction of pelvic floor muscles can be assessed by digital palpation, perineometer, electromyography, visual examination, vaginal cones, dynamometer, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging methods. Pelvic floor exercises are quite effective in improving muscle strength, and this behavioral treatment option should be considered as a priority for prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence. In addition to providing increased muscle strength, the exercises reduce the probability of genital prolapse, increase orgasm and bowel control and reduce sexual problems. They are also effective in the treatment of an overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum period. For pelvic floor muscle exercises to be effective, it is important to create a exercise program that will teach the ability to exercise the correct muscles. The essential responsibility of a multidisciplinary team is to teach women how to tighten muscles with correct frequency and duration and to encourage them to continue exercising. In this review, the structure of pelvic floor muscles, the assessment of muscle strength, the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises, the application and teaching of exercises and the promotion of the nurse’s role are examined according to the literature.

Keywords: