The Pelvic Region

The first part is false, and the second part is partially true but generally false.

The core muscles refer to the muscles in the core, or center, of the body, which includes the lower back, abdominals, and hips. Strong core muscles can help keep your back healthy, hold your body upright, and improve your balance, among other things.

The muscles of the pelvic region, however, are located deeper within the body; they form a triangle-shaped hammocklike ring that supports the uterus, bladder, and rectum. The pelvic floor muscles are located deep in the pelvis, we don't consciously use them, and many women are never aware of these muscles until there's a problem.

Strengthening the core muscles will help with overall fitness and may have a secondary effect on bladder control, as the abdominal muscles are located in the pelvic region. But exercises to strengthen and/or isolate the pelvic floor muscles, called Kegels, are better suited for preventing bladder leakage.

True. The bladder is a hollow organ, about the size of a softball, which features a thin layer of muscle around an inner lining. It can hold up to 20 ounces of liquid by stretching, and when it is that full, you should feel a strong urge to void. If it is very full and not working properly, it can stretch as large as a bowling ball.

True, and it's because of the way women are built. A bladder infection, officially known as cystitis, occurs when bacteria or yeast enter the urinary tract, multiply, and move through the urethra and into the bladder. Although bladder infections can affect just about anyone-men and children included-women (and girls) are more prone to them because of the proximity of the urethra to the lower gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs of a bladder infection include pelvic discomfort, a frequent urge to urinate, and pain in the lower back or abdomen.

The correct answer is D, all of the above. There are many myths about bladder weakness and leakage, but these are among the most pervasive. Urinary incontinence affects approximately 13 million Americans across all age groups, according to a 1999 study by the National Institute on Aging. A second study by the National Institute on Aging of 2,800 postmenopausal women revealed that 56 percent of women experienced urinary incontinence at least weekly.

Bladder leakage is also a problem that can affect women of any age, from youths to seniors. According to a study of more than 1,000 women done for the National Association for Continence, 40 percent of women with stress incontinence first experienced symptoms before the age of 40. What's more, 80 percent of survey respondents mistakenly thought that leakage is a normal part of aging. There are a variety of treatments available for bladder leakage, and experts encourage women to talk to a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, or other health-care expert about their bladder weakness issue for proper diagnosis and treatment.