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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

Evolution of the female pelvis and relationships to pelvic organ prolapse

Megan Schimpf1, Paul Tulikangas

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, 06030, USA. schimpf@gme.uchc.edu

International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
|January 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The female pelvis evolved to support organs and childbirth, but this adaptation may lead to pelvic organ prolapse due to structural limitations. This review examines evolutionary changes in primate and human female pelvic anatomy.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Anatomy
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • The female pelvis supports lower limbs, pelvic organs, and acts as a birth canal.
  • Evolutionary adaptations of the pelvis are crucial for understanding its functions.
  • Limitations in pelvic structure may contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolutionary changes in nonhuman primate and human female pelvic anatomy.
  • To explore the functional adaptations of the female pelvis.
  • To understand the relationship between pelvic structure and pelvic organ prolapse.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative anatomical review of nonhuman primate and human female pelves.
  • Analysis of evolutionary pressures on pelvic structure and function.
  • Literature synthesis on pelvic organ support and prolapse.

Main Results:

  • The female pelvis has undergone significant evolutionary modifications.
  • Adaptations for bipedalism and childbirth present biomechanical challenges.
  • The transition to a supportive role for pelvic organs highlights potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Evolutionary history shapes the female pelvis, influencing its functional capacity.
  • Understanding pelvic evolution is key to addressing conditions like pelvic organ prolapse.
  • Further research into primate and human pelvic anatomy can inform clinical practice.

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