Hi friends! Pelvic health is often new information for many of us. It is easy to get caught up and overwhelmed with all the different terms used when talking about pelvic floor anatomy and dysfunction. This week we are going to define those terms in simple conditions. Understanding these terms can help you navigate your own pelvic floor journey, including being able to advocate for yourself.
Here are some common pelvic floor terms (in alphabetical order), click the link to learn more about each:
Coccydynia: tailbone pain
Cystocele: pelvic organ prolapse where the bladder begins to descend into the vaginal wall, this is the most common location of prolapse
Diastasis recti: separation of the right and left muscles, commonly caused by pregnancy
Dyspareunia: pain with sexual intercourse
Dyssynergic defecation (outlet dysfunction): contraction of the pelvic floor muscles when trying to defecate which makes it difficult to have a bowel movement
Enterocele: pelvic organ prolapse where the small bowel (intestines) begin to descend into the vaginal wall
Fecal incontinence: uncontrolled leakage of fecal material for more than 3 months
Labia minora: inner labia lips, does not have hair follicles
Labia majora: outer labia lips, contains hair follicles
Mixed urinary incontinence: a combination of stress and urge urinary incontinence (see below)
Nocturnal enuresis: leakage of urine while sleeping
Nocturia: the need to urinate while sleeping
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): descent of the pelvic organ(s) into the vaginal wall, symptoms can include vaginal bulging, pelvic pressure, and low backache
Perineum: the area between the anus and vulva in women, and the area between the anus and scrotum in men
Pessary: a device that is inserted into the vagina to keep pelvic organ prolapse from bulging beyond the opening of the vagina to reduce symptoms
Pubic symphysis dysfunction: pain in the pubic symphysis (joint in the front of the pelvis), this is common during pregnancy
Pudendal nerve: nerve with several branches that control the sensation to the genitals and controls the pelvic floor muscles
Rectocele: pelvic organ prolapse where the rectum begins to descend into the vaginal wall
Sphincter: a muscle that works to contract (hold things in) or relax (to let things out), there are many sphincters in the pelvic floor to control peeing, pooping, and sexual intercourse
Stress urinary incontinence: leakage of urine with effort or physical exertion (e.g. sneezing or jumping)
Urge urinary incontinence: leakage of urine with the urge to go to the bathroom
Vaginismus: painful spasm of the vagina/pelvic floor muscles that can prevent vaginal penetration (e.g. intercourse, tampon insertion, pelvic exams)
Vestibule: region of external female anatomy from the clitoris to the bottom of the vaginal opening spanning from the inside of the labia minora on each side
Vestibulodynia: pain within the vestibule, a type of vulvodynia
Vulva: region of external female anatomy starting from the mons pubis and including the labia (lips), clitoris, and opening to the vagina
Vulvodynia: pain in the vulva (often described as burning)
To learn more about your pelvic floor, check out these great resources:
Watch our YouTube video The Pelvic Floor Basics
Find a provider near you at mypfm.com/find-a-pt
Watch Netflix for Your Pelvic Floor at Pelvic Flicks
Learn more about your pelvic floor on our Instagram
Visit our Amazon store for our favorite pelvic health products
Sign up for our email newsletter
For providers, check out our online courses to help your clients. Consider joining our Ambassador Program and most of our courses are included with your membership!
The 3D Pelvis with Hayley Kava, PT, MPT, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Pelvic PT Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor Muscles with Dr. Samantha Richter, PT, DPT, WCS
How to Pass the Women’s Clinical Specialist (WCS) Exam: Part 1 with Dr. Jamille Niewarra, PT, DPT, WCS
How to Pass the Women’s Clinical Specialist (WCS) Exam: Part 2 with Dr. Beth Shelly, PT, DPT, WCS, BMB-PMD
Written by Emily Reul, PT, DPT
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