The perineum is a diamond shaped region located below the pelvis. The top of the perineum is the pelvic diaphragm and the bottom is the skin and tissue on the outside of the body. The front of the perineum is at the pubic bone, the back at the tailbone, and the sides at the ischial tuberosities (the two bones in the buttocks felt when sitting).
Understanding the anatomy of the deep pelvis muscles helps understand how pelvic dysfunction and pain occurs. These muscles are extremely important for good health yet not talked about much in fitness programs.
Perineum and Pelvic Floor Muscles
Looking at the pelvis from below, the upper part of the perineum (called the urogenital diaphragm or urogenital triangle) contains the penis, scrotum, and related structures in men and the clitoris, vaginal opening, and related structures in women. The muscles of the urogenital diaphragm are the bulbocavernosus, ischiocavernosus, transverse perineum, and urethral sphincter. These muscles assist in orgasm and bladder control for both women and men.