The 4 Major Differences in Pelvic Floor Structure in Males vs Females

If you’ve browsed through this website at all, you’ve probably gathered by now that I specialize in pelvic floor therapy. I help patients gain optimal pelvic floor structure health through knowledge and movement.

And through my work, I know that not all pelvic floor structures are not the same— specifically, the pelvic floor structure of people who were assigned female at birth versus people who were assigned male at birth.

In this blog, we’re discussing pelvic floor structure similarities and differences between people whose sex assigned at birth is female and male.*

*For the purposes of this blog, we will refer to the former as females, and the latter as males.

Pelvic Floor Structure – The Similarities

While there are some differences in pelvic floor structure between females and males, there are definitely lots of similarities no matter if you were born with a vagina/middle opening or a penis.

The pelvic floor in both females and males is made up of layers of muscle and tissue. For females and males, these layers stretch from the pubic bone at the front of the body to the tailbone at the back of the body.

Additionally, the pelvic floor structure in females and males supports the bladder (where pee is held until released) and bowels (the organ responsible for digestion). The pelvic floor gives structure to the spine and hips and aids in sexual appreciation in both men and women.

And finally, the urethra (tube where pee exits the body after leaving the bladder) and the anus (opening where poop exits the body) are also part of the pelvic floor structure for both females and males.

Pelvic Floor Structure – The Differences

As you can see, there are lots of similarities between the pelvic floor structure of females and males. But as I mentioned earlier, there are also some key differences.

One of the main differences between is that in addition to supporting the bladder, bowel, urethra, and anus, the female pelvic floor also supports the uterus (womb) and the vagina/middle opening.

Another key difference in pelvic floor structure between females and males is width. The female pelvis is wider than that of males to accommodate the possibility of childbirth.

The female pelvis is not only wider but also shorter than the male pelvis. The shorter build, again, is to allow for a child to move through the birthing canal.

From a muscular standpoint, females have a bulbocavernosus muscle and males have a bulbospongiosus muscle. For females, there is a split separating the right and left, where as men have two columns for these muscles. 

Pelvic Floor Structure Health is Important No Matter Gender Assignment

Discussions about the pelvic floor are often associated with females only; usually excluding males from the conversation. Females are often told to do kegels and reminded how important it is to maintain a healthy pelvic floor.

If you remember nothing else from this blog, remember these two things: (1) a healthy pelvic floor is just as important for females as it is for males, and (2) males are not exempt from pelvic floor challenges.

Despite the differences, the pelvic floor in both females and males supports critical organs and bodily functions. And kegels can be just as effective for males as they are for females (if this exercise is determined by your pelvic floor therapist to be suitable for you and  your body.)

Although there are clear anatomical similarities and differences between the pelvic floor structure of females and males as assigned at birth, pelvic floors can still vary from person to person.

Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you learn more about your own pelvic floor structure and optimize your pelvic floor health.

Book a FREE 20-minute discovery call with me to navigate through your specific pelvic floor concerns.

Or, if you’d like to learn more about all things pelvic floor health, head over to my Instagram. Hope to see you there!

More content you may like:

• Bladder Basics: How The Bladder Works
• What Does a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Do?
• What Happens to Your Pelvic Floor After Birth?

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. Laura Meihofer’s LLC is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program and others, as an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to products Laura organically uses and trusts. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same, but Laura will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps her spread her message!