The pelvis is a protective bony structure encompassing a complex region of the body. It houses several crucial organs, including the genitals, uterus, bladder, intestines, and, in men, the prostate. These organs and bones are supported by the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic ligaments. Due to the complexity of the pelvic area, various issues can arise, such as pelvic pain caused by pelvic instability during pregnancy. Both men and women can develop several pelvic issues over time.
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Causes of Pelvic Issues
Pelvic issues can stem from various factors. Heavy physical exertion can negatively affect your pelvic floor, and even your eating habits can contribute to pelvic problems. Pelvic issues are primarily caused by either a weakened or overactive
pelvic floor. With a weakened pelvic floor, holding urine or stools becomes challenging, and organ prolapse is possible. An overactive pelvic floor can make urination or defecation problematic, potentially leading to conditions like vaginismus or erectile dysfunction.
Anatomy of the Pelvis
The pelvis comprises multiple bones and joints. It consists of three parts: the left part, the right part, and the backside, also known as the sacrum. These parts are connected through joints and ligaments. One of these joints is the well-known sacroiliac (SI) joint; there are two, located on the left and right at the back. You can recognize these joints by the two dimples in the lower back.
The pelvis includes various bones and joints: the sacrum, tailbone, iliac bones, SI joints, and the pubic bone. Each pelvic bone is slightly separated but connected through pelvic ligaments, functioning like a firm belt or strap around your pelvis. These ligaments are tightly wrapped around your pelvis to maintain stability.
Functions of the Pelvis
The pelvis serves as a protective structure located midway in our body, forming a bridge between the upper and lower body. Vital structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and various muscles pass through the pelvis, highlighting its significance despite its relatively small size.
The pelvis also plays a crucial role in posture. Tilting your pelvis forward makes your lower back more arched, while tilting it backward results in a rounder lower back. Thus, the pelvis influences the muscles in your back. Additionally, the pelvis contributes to movement and mobility due to its proximity to the hips. The hips are located on either side of the pelvis, with your upper legs fitting into your hip sockets. The pelvic ligaments and pelvic muscles ensure these structures are kept in place.
Pelvis during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the pelvic ligaments face challenges in keeping the pelvic bones together. The ligaments become weaker due to the release of certain hormones, increasing instability to allow enough space for your baby’s head to pass
through. This condition is known as pelvic girdle pain or pelvic instability.
The Pelvis and Sex
Beyond its structural and functional roles, the pelvis is also crucial for sexual pleasure. Your reproductive organs are housed within the pelvis, which is why it’s often referred to as the “house of the penis and vagina.” A healthy pelvis enhances sexual enjoyment, while pelvic dysfunction can create obstacles.
An overly tight and tense pelvic floor can make sex painful or even impossible, leading to conditions such as erectile dysfunction or vaginismus. Conversely, a weak pelvic floor may result in reduced sexual sensation or difficulty maintaining an erection.
Symptoms of Pelvic Issues
Pelvic dysfunction is often linked to lower back pain, groin discomfort, pain around the tailbone, abdominal pain, and even radiating pain in the legs. Mobility issues may arise, and those with physically demanding jobs—such as prolonged standing, sitting, or heavy lifting—are more prone to experiencing pelvic discomfort. Below are some of the most common symptoms of pelvic dysfunction.
13 Common Symptoms of Pelvic Issues:
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Urinary incontinence.
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Digestive issues, such as incontinence or constipation.
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Pelvic organ prolapse.
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Chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
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Pelvic instability.
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Sexual dysfunction in women, including vaginismus.
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Sexual dysfunction in men, including erectile dysfunction.
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Pelvic and lower back pain during pregnancy.
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Pelvic and lower back pain during childbirth.
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Persistent pelvic and lower back pain postpartum.
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Tailbone pain and discomfort.
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Pain before or after gynecologic or prostate surgery, including prolapse surgery.
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Twisted ovary (ovarian torsion), which can cause severe pain. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, intense pain.
Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Issues During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the highest-risk period for developing pelvic issues. As hormones cause the pelvis to widen and become more flexible, pelvic instability can occur. While every pregnant person experiences these changes, not everyone develops pelvic pain. However, it is common for pelvic widening to be accompanied by discomfort, urinary incontinence, or constipation.
Most of these symptoms resolve after childbirth, but in some cases, they may develop postpartum. Though rare, some individuals continue experiencing pelvic pain for more than six months after giving birth, leading to chronic pelvic issues.
Pain levels vary from person to person. Some women experience pelvic discomfort similar to menstrual cramps, while others continue to have persistent pelvic pain postpartum. When pelvic pain persists long-term, it is classified as chronic pelvic pain.
If you are struggling with pelvic discomfort, explore my blog for tips and exercises. If symptoms persist, consult a specialist such as a pelvic therapist, pelvic physiotherapist, or pelvic practitioner.
PID: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Various conditions can affect the pelvic region, with pelvic instability being the most common. However, another serious condition is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)—an infection occurring in the lowest part of the pelvis, where the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum are located. This area is densely packed with organs, and an infection here can be extremely painful.
PID is typically caused by bacteria entering the uterus via the vagina, often due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can also result from naturally occurring bacteria in rare cases. Despite myths, using tampons does not increase the risk of PID—this has not been scientifically proven.
Common Symptoms of PID:
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Fever or feeling generally unwell.
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Increased vaginal discharge with an unusual color or odor.
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Pain during urination, sexual intercourse, or both.
PID develops gradually but can lead to severe complications. If left untreated, scar tissue can form in the fallopian tubes, potentially causing infertility. Even after recovery, some individuals may continue experiencing pain during physical intimacy.
If you recognize these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately and provide a urine sample for testing. If diagnosed with PID, a 14-day course of antibiotics is typically prescribed, after which symptoms should subside. Additionally, notify any recent sexual partners, as STIs can spread easily.
Looking for more information?
Long story short, the pelvis is a complicated part of your body. Hopefully this information was useful to you! If you’re still looking for some more information, feel free to take another look around on the website. It’s filled with in-depth information, tips, a web shop and also exercises. I still have a lot of articles with lots of information about other symptoms and issues. Feel free to click on the blue words to take you straight to the right pag
