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Related Concept Videos

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Muscles of the Abdomen01:21

Muscles of the Abdomen

The abdominal wall encircles the abdominal cavity, providing flexible protection and shielding the internal organs from harm. It is bordered at the top by the xiphoid process and costal margins, at the back by the vertebral column, and at the bottom by the pelvic bones and inguinal ligament. The abdominal wall is divided into two regions — the anterolateral and posterior regions.
Anterolateral Region
The anterolateral region comprises five paired muscles classified into the lateral and anterior...
Urinary Bladder01:23

Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry01:19

Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
Uterus and Cervix01:18

Uterus and Cervix

The uterus, commonly called the womb, is a vital reproductive organ in females designed to provide a nurturing environment for the implantation and growth of an embryo. It is shaped like a hollow pear and positioned between the urinary bladder and the rectum. The uterus's structure allows it to support and protect a developing fetus throughout pregnancy.
The uterus is securely anchored within the pelvic cavity by paired broad ligaments on either side. It is further stabilized by three pairs of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Pelvic floor muscle function before and after first childbirth.

Thorgerdur Sigurdardottir1, Thora Steingrimsdottir, Arni Arnason

  • 1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Stapi, Hringbraut 31, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland. th.sigurdardottir@gmail.com

International Urogynecology Journal
|July 27, 2011
PubMed
Summary

First childbirth significantly reduces pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance. Vaginal delivery causes more muscle strength reduction than acute cesarean birth, highlighting delivery mode impact.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth are primary risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance are crucial for pelvic health.
  • Understanding the impact of delivery mode on PFM function is essential for postpartum recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of first childbirth on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance.
  • To determine if the mode of delivery influences changes in PFM strength and endurance.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study with repeated measures.
  • 36 women were assessed for PFM function via vaginal squeeze pressure before and after first childbirth.
  • Paired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

  • A significant reduction in PFM strength and endurance was observed in all participants after their first childbirth (p < 0.0001).
  • Normal vaginal delivery showed a strength reduction of 20.1 hPa, instrumental vaginal delivery 31.4 hPa, and acute cesarean 5.2 hPa.
  • The reduction in PFM strength was significantly greater following normal and instrumental vaginal deliveries compared to acute cesarean section (p = 0.028 and p = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Vaginal delivery, both normal and instrumental, significantly reduces PFM strength 6-12 weeks postpartum.
  • Acute cesarean section results in a significantly smaller reduction in PFM strength compared to vaginal delivery.
  • Mode of delivery is a significant factor influencing postpartum PFM function.