When we talk about pelvic health, it’s easy to focus on symptoms such as leakage, pressure, pain, or changes after childbirth or surgery. But to truly understand what’s happening in your body, it helps to start with the anatomy.
Your pelvis isn’t just a structure: it’s a dynamic system of muscles, organs, and nerves, all working together to support movement, control, and quality of life.
This guide will walk you through the key components of pelvic anatomy, how they interact, and why they matter when it comes to treatment and long-term pelvic health.
The Pelvic Floor Muscles: Your Deep Core Foundation
At the base of your pelvis lies a group of muscles and connective tissue called the pelvic floor. These muscles stretch forward from the pubic bone to the tailbone and across from sit bone to sit bone. Quietly and constantly, they do the work of supporting organs, managing pressure, and coordinating some of the body’s most essential functions.
Key roles of the pelvic floor include:
- Supporting the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs
- Controlling urination and bowel movements
- Enhancing sexual function
- Stabilizing the pelvis and spine as part of the deep core system
- Regulating intra-abdominal pressure during activities such as lifting, breathing, and exercising
When these muscles are weak, tense, or poorly coordinated, symptoms may arise—such as urinary or bowel leakage, pelvic pressure, constipation, or pain.
The Pelvic Organs: Supporting Bladder, Bowel, and Reproduction
Your pelvis houses several essential organs that rely on both muscular support and nerve input to function well. Their position and mobility can be affected by factors such as pregnancy, surgery, trauma, or hormonal changes.
In People Assigned Female at Birth:
- Bladder – Storing and releasing urine
- Uterus – Supporting reproduction; shifting during pregnancy or following hysterectomy
- Vagina – Enabling intercourse, supporting childbirth, and maintaining pelvic support
- Rectum – Holding and passing stool
In People Assigned Male at Birth:
- Bladder – Storing and releasing urine
- Prostate – Producing seminal fluid and surrounding the urethra
- Penis – Allowing urination and enabling sexual function
- Rectum – Holding and passing stool
Any condition that changes how these organs are supported or positioned—such as childbirth, prostate surgery, or prolapse—can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic Nerves: The Control Center
Your pelvic nerves are responsible for coordinating movement, sensation, and control throughout the pelvic floor. These nerves ensure that muscles contract and relax appropriately, that organs send and receive signals, and that the system functions as a whole.
Key nerves involved in pelvic health include:
- Pudendal nerve – Controlling pelvic floor muscles and carrying sensation from the genitals and anal region
- Pelvic splanchnic nerves – Regulating bladder and bowel activity
- Ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerves – Providing sensation to the groin and inner thigh
- Obturator nerve – Supporting hip and inner thigh movement and sometimes contributing to pelvic pain when irritated
When nerves become compressed, overstimulated, or injured—such as after surgery, trauma, or prolonged sitting—individuals may experience symptoms such as pelvic pain, urgency, numbness, or difficulty with control.
How It All Works Together
Your pelvic health depends on a coordinated relationship between the muscles, organs, and nerves. These systems do not operate in isolation—when one part is affected, the others often compensate or become compromised.
For example:
- Weak pelvic floor muscles may contribute to organ prolapse or urinary incontinence
- Overactive pelvic floor muscles may lead to urinary urgency or pain during intercourse
- Nerve dysfunction may result in pelvic pain, poor muscle coordination, or incomplete bladder or bowel emptying
- When we evaluate pelvic health, we don’t treat a symptom in isolation—we examine how the full system is functioning and where it needs support.
Why This Matters for Treatment
A surface-level approach to pelvic health rarely leads to lasting results. At Pelvic Health Solutions, we take a deeper look—understanding how your anatomy, history, and habits intersect to create your current symptoms.
Our board-certified physical therapists begin with a detailed evaluation of your musculoskeletal, neurological,Note: we don’t treat organ dysfunction – just to be cautious for liability purposes.
Based on this, we build a care plan that may include:
- Strengthening or downtraining pelvic floor muscles
- Performing manual therapy to reduce scar tissue, improve mobility, or release tension
- Re-educating movement patterns through neuromuscular retraining (coordination training?)
- Reinforcing breath and posture mechanics to support function and reduce pressure
- Providing education to improve bladder and bowel habits, movement patterns, and daily routines
Take the Next Step
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as leakage, pelvic pain, pressure, or difficulty with bowel or bladder function—you’re not alone, and there is help.
We invite you to schedule a one-on-one evaluation with a board-certified physical therapist who can help you understand your anatomy, uncover the root cause of your symptoms, and guide you through a plan designed for real, lasting relief.
📩 Or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation
At PHS, we’re here to help you restore function, reduce symptoms, and return to the activities that matter most.
