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What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is a set of muscles that spread across the bottom of the pelvic cavity like a hammock. The pelvic floor has three openings that run through it, the urethra, the vagina, and the rectum. The functions of the pelvic floor include: To support the pelvic organs, specifically the uterus, the bladder, and the rectum To help provide sphincter control for the bladder and bowel To withstand increases in pressure that occur in the abdomen such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, straining, and lifting To enhance the sexual response What is Levator Ani Syndrome? Levator ani syndrome is chronic spasming and tightness in the levator ani muscle. The levator ani muscle is a set of muscles that spread across the bottom of the pelvic cavity like a hammock and composes part of the pelvic floor. The levator ani muscle supports the pelvic organs by surrounding and supporting the structures that pass through it such as the urethra, vagina, and rectum. Symptoms of levator ani syndrome include: A dull ache in the rectum, vagina, or perineum Constant rectal or vaginal pressure A constant burning in the rectum, vagina, or perineum Feeling as though one is sitting on a ball, or as though a ball is in the rectum Defecation often worsens symptoms and is difficult if you are experiencing levator ani syndrome. Sexual intercourse can also worsen your symptoms. Levator ani syndrome is not thought to be psychological in origin, however emotional stress may aggravate symptoms. The pelvic floor from the side What Causes Levator Ani Syndrome? Levator ani syndrome is caused by muscular tension due to injury or surgery. Example sources of injury include: Pelvic surgery with trauma to the pelvic muscles, or blood and nerve supply to the muscles Childbirth injury Lumbar disc surgery Sexual related injuries Pelvic inflammation or infection Strenuous physical activity Repeated improper postural positioning How is Levator Ani Syndrome Treated? Levator ani syndrome is treated by a combination of the following methods: Hot baths nightly for 20 minutes Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication Muscle relaxants Massage to the levator ani muscle Pelvic floor muscle reeducation using biofeedback. Biofeedback uses special computer equipment that measures muscle activity. A person can use this feedback while they are doing exercises to learn to properly contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. Vaginal dilators Electrogalvanic stimulation to the levator ani muscle