What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why It Matters for Everyone

August 12, 2025

What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why It Matters for Everyone

Whether you’ve experienced pelvic pain, incontinence, or back issues—or you’re simply curious about how your body works—understanding the pelvic floor is essential. In this episode of The Code podcast, Dr. Andrew Fix talks with Dr. Katie Sasser to break down everything you need to know about pelvic floor health—for both women and men.

Meet Dr. Katie Sasser

Dr. Katie Sasser is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist with over a decade of experience. After starting her career in orthopedics, she shifted her focus in 2021 after advanced pelvic health training. She now treats both orthopedic and pelvic conditions, helping patients reconnect with their bodies during life phases like pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a bowl-shaped group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles:

Support internal organs
Stabilize the spine and hips
Control bladder and bowel function
Promote sexual function
Aid in fluid movement throughout the body

🧠 Dr. Sasser’s “A-Frame” Analogy:

Main floor → Resting tone
Attic → Contraction phase (sneeze, jump)
Basement → Relaxation phase (bowel movement)

Common Reasons to See a Pelvic Floor Therapist

For Women:

Pelvic, hip, or tailbone pain
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Pain with intercourse
Postpartum recovery
Prolapse symptoms

For Men:

Erectile dysfunction
Pelvic or testicular pain
Post-prostate surgery recovery
Incontinence or urgency
Pain with intimacy

💡 Yes—men have pelvic floors too!

Core, Stability, and the Pelvic Floor: It’s All Connected

Your core is more than abs—it’s a pressure system:

Top: Diaphragm
Bottom: Pelvic floor
Front: Transverse & rectus abdominis
Sides: Obliques
Back: Erector spinae

A well-functioning core supports healthy movement, reduces back pain, and prevents incontinence. Proper bracing and breathwork are key—but rarely taught.

What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor Evaluation

History & Intake – Discuss “The 3 P’s”: Pee, Poop, and Pleasure
Internal Exam (with consent) – Gentle, one-finger vaginal assessment
Movement Screening – Observe pelvic floor response during activity
Compassionate Care – Your comfort and consent come first

Note: Internal work is never required for treatment.

External Pelvic Floor Therapy Options

If internal work isn’t for you, treatment may include:

Breathwork and pressure control
Functional movement coaching
Glute and hip strengthening
Postural and core engagement training

Stress, Breath, and Pelvic Health

Chronic tension—especially in the jaw, core, or pelvis—can overload the pelvic floor. Katie often starts treatment with breathwork and mindful relaxation to help the pelvic floor “reset.”