Normal degree of PF contraction?

[Kevin814]

Wise et al. say that many chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome sufferers have a lifelong habit of contracting the pelvic floor and that they should relax it. But is there a normal degree of contraction to the pelvic floor; that is, is it always supposed to be totally relaxed? For instance:

-After going for a #2, my pelvic floor is in spasm (no pain) for several minutes. If I try to relax it, it'll tighten back up.

-In spontaneous stressful situations, such as being surprised, or when playing video games, I contract my pelvic floor.

Does the rest of the population do this as well?

Kevin

[scotsman]

I'd say the second one - where you tense when surprised or playing video games is pretty normal - though I feel that chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome sufferers could well do this to a greater degree than is normal.

I don't believe the first one - pelvic floor spasm after defecation - is something non-sufferers get.

[cr]

Any thoughts on the opposite of the first? Ie. contraction beforehand.

I suppose everyone gets it, but I feel like 1) I contract too much 2) my contraction threshold (esp. in the mornings) is lowered.

[scotsman]

Must admit that I've not felt anything pre defecation.

Richard.

[SickofCP]

-In spontaneous stressful situations, such as being surprised, or when playing video games, I contract my pelvic floor.
Kevin

I would think that most people get this to an extent. If you were driving and someone swerved in front of you, etc. For me it happens a lot watching my 3 year old son fall or almost fall down. It probably happens easier for us chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome sufferers. I might guess that someone "normal" would not have their pelvic muscles tense while playing a video game. They may only get it when there is a more real danger present. We have a heightened instinct to protect our genitals.

The other factor is that a normal person would go back to a relaxed state in their pelvis, where we remain tense.