Female pelvis and menstruation

What is the primary hormone responsible for the changes that occur during the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen is the primary hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle, affecting the endometrial lining and other pelvic structures.

What role do hormones play in the menstrual cycle?

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle, affecting the endometrial lining and pelvic structures.

The irregular, basin-shaped bony cavity of the female pelvis contains the bladder, rectum, uterus, cervix, and upper vagina. It is surrounded by three strong innominate bones fused together along with four pelvic joints that have strong ligaments, allowing movement to create more room for the fetal head to move down during labor and birth. This process starts with the pelvic brim (the inlet), followed by the middle cavity, and then the pelvic outlet, which is the lowest part of the pelvis. The soft tissues of the pelvic floor form a sling to support the pelvic organs.

What are the main functions of the female pelvis?

The female pelvis:

Protects the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs.

Allows movement of the body, especially walking and running.

During labor and birth, its internal size can expand when the mother changes position, assisting in the passage of the fetus.

What are the major bones of the female pelvis?

The female pelvis is composed of:

Three fused innominate bones: ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Five fused vertebrae forming the triangular-shaped sacrum.

Four fused vertebrae forming the coccyx, which articulates at the sacro-coccygeal joint.

What are the four joints of the female pelvis?

1. Symphysis pubis joint

2. Two sacroiliac joints

3. Sacrococcygeal joint

What are the four groups of ligaments in the female pelvis?

1. Sacroiliac ligaments (connect the sacrum and ilium)

2. Sacro tuberous ligaments and sacrospinous ligaments (pass between the sacrum and ischium)

3. Sacrococcygeal ligaments (connect the sacrum and coccyx)

4. Interpubic ligaments (connect the two pubic bones)

What is the function of the softened pelvic ligaments during labor and birth?

These ligaments become looser and bigger during late pregnancy. This allows:

The shape inside the pelvis to change, making room for the fetus to pass more easily.

The pelvic brim to widen when the birthing woman changes her posture, aiding in delivery.

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Major Muscles of the Pelvic Floor

FIVE Superficial Muscles:

1. External anal sphincter

2. Transverse perineal muscle

3. Bulbocavernosus muscle

4. Ischiocavernosus muscle

5. Membranous muscle fibers around the urethra

FOUR Pairs of Deep Muscles:

1. Pubococcygeus

2. Puborectalis

3. Iliococcygeus

4. Ischiococcygeus

What is the perineal body?

The perineal body is a pyramid of muscles and fibrous tissue located between the vaginal introitus and anus, measuring about 4 cm in each direction. It is where the fibers of the pubococcygeus muscle cross over and meet the transverse perineal muscles, along with the bulbocavernosus in the front and the external anal sphincter behind.

What is the function of the pelvic floor muscles?

They support the pelvic organs and help maintain continence in the urinary and anal sphincters.

During childbirth, the sling shape of the pelvic floor muscles aids in the passive rotation of the fetal head before delivery.

What happens to the pubic symphysis during childbirth?

The symphysis pubis can stretch open at the midline cartilage symphysis pubis joint.

This allows more room for the fetal head to pass.

The pubic arch forms a pivot point where the fetal head exits from under the pubic arch as it sweeps the perineum during birth.

What happens to the sacrococcygeal joint during childbirth?

The sacrococcygeal joint allows the coccyx to be deflected backward during the birth of the fetal head.

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Types of Pelvises

1. Anthropoid

2. Android

3. Gynaecoid

4. Platypelvic

Which pelvis type is best suited for childbearing and why?

The gynaecoid pelvis is best for childbirth because:

It has a rounded brim, which provides more space for the fetus.

The straighter side walls and shallow cavity create an ideal passage.

It has a well-curved sacrum and a subpubic arch of 90 degrees, allowing for the easiest fetal passage.

Why is understanding pelvic anatomy and function important in childbirth care?

It helps midwives and healthcare providers anticipate challenges during labor.

It guides positioning and movement techniques to ease delivery.

It ensures better maternal and fetal outcomes by accommodating changes in the pelvis.

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What role do hormones play in the female pelvis during menstruation?

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle, affecting the endometrial lining and pelvic structures.

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes in the female reproductive system that prepares the body for potential pregnancy.

What happens during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?

The follicular phase involves the maturation of ovarian follicles and an increase in estrogen levels.

What occurs during ovulation?

Ovulation is the release of a mature ovum from the ovary, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone.

What is the luteal phase?

The luteal phase follows ovulation, where the corpus luteum forms and produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual periods often caused by uterine contractions.

What is menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

What anatomical changes occur in the female pelvis during menstruation?

During menstruation, the pelvic organs may experience temporary changes such as cramping and increased vascularization.

How does the menstrual cycle affect pelvic floor health?

The hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence pelvic floor muscle tone and may contribute to pelvic pain in some women.

What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

PMS is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before the menstrual period, related to hormonal changes.

What hormones are key in regulating the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

What is the significance of the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle prepares the female body for potential pregnancy each month.

How long does the average menstrual cycle last?

The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the process where a mature egg is released from the ovary, usually around mid-cycle.

What changes occur in the female pelvis during ovulation?

During ovulation, the follicles mature and estrogen levels peak, causing changes in the pelvic organs.

What is the role of the corpus luteum?

The corpus luteum forms after ovulation and produces progesterone to help maintain the uterine lining.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing pain.

What are common symptoms of menstruation?

Common symptoms of menstruation include cramping, bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness.

How can menstrual cycle impact pelvic floor health?

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect pelvic floor muscle tone, potentially leading to discomfort.

What is the average duration of a menstrual period?

The average menstrual period lasts between 3 to 7 days.