The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that supports the bladder, uterus, and rectum. It plays a vital role in urinary, bowel, and sexual function. Understanding the anatomy and function of your pelvic floor can help you prevent and manage common pelvic health issues.
Pelvic floor anatomy
The pelvic floor is often described as a “hammock”, as it helps to support the organs of the pelvic floor, including the uterus, bladder and bowel. The main (largest) group of muscles is the levator ani muscles. Another muscle is the coccygeus, which helps support the levator ani. These muscles attach to the different bones in the pelvis such as the pubic bone, tailbone, and others.
Additionally, the surrounding fascia (connective tissue) attaches the bladder, urethra, vagina, and uterus to the pelvic walls. Other important parts of the pelvic floor are the anal sphincters, ligaments, and perineal body.
The female pelvic floor includes 3 openings: the urethra, vagina and anus. The urethra is located closest to your belly. Slightly below this is the vagina, and the anus is below the vagina. The urethra is attached to the bladder. This is where urine leaves your body. The vagina is attached to the cervix and uterus, located where menstrual blood leaves the body and where one may push out a baby. The anus is attached to your bowel. This is where your bowel movements leave your body.
Pelvic floor functions
The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and maintains continence, the ability to control bladder and bowel movements. The pelvic floor is also incredibly important for core stability, as it works with abdominal and back muscles to stabilize the pelvis and spine. In childbirth, the pelvic floor contracts and relaxes to help a baby move through the birth canal. Your pelvic floor also plays a big role in arousal and sexual function.
Common issues during the lifespan
Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and aging can all weaken pelvic floor muscles. When this happens, folks may experience conditions like urinary incontinence (leaking urine), dyspareunia (pain during or after intercourse), and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse can happen when the levator ani muscles are weakened, causing the “hammock” to loosen and sag, resulting in pelvic organs bulging or dropping. Preventative care and early intervention are the best ways to strengthen your pelvic floor and avoid potential issues. This includes pelvic floor physical therapy (exercises like Kegels and stretches), annual gynecology visits, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- Herschorn, Sender. “Female Pelvic Floor Anatomy: The Pelvic Floor, Supporting Structures, and Pelvic Organs.” Reviews in Urology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1472875/.
- Feddema, Kelly. “Benefits of Pelvic Floor P.T.” Mayo Clinic Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System, 30 May 2023, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-benefits.
- “What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?” Cleveland Clinic, 9 Sept. 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14459-pelvic-floor-dysfunction.
