Pelvic Floor Glossary A–Z

The involuntary loss of gas and/or stool.

A birth injury in which part of the pelvic floor muscle (levator ani) detaches from its attachment to the pelvic bone.

Tissue that supports and holds the body's organs and muscles in place. In the pelvic floor, connective tissue helps support the pelvic organs.

En kort forklaring af begrebet.

Another term for cystocele – when the bladder descends into the front wall of the vagina.

A condition that can occur during pregnancy, where the ligaments around the pelvis become more flexible, which can cause pain and reduced stability.

A type of pelvic organ prolapse where the bladder descends into the front wall of the vagina.

The main breathing muscle, which works closely together with the pelvic floor.

A type of pelvic organ prolapse where part of the small intestine descends between the vagina and the rectum.

Thin layers of connective tissue that surround and connect muscles and organs, providing support and stability.

Damage to the connective tissue that helps support the pelvic organs. This can reduce support for the bladder, uterus or rectum.

A tear of the skin, vaginal lining or muscles of the perineum or around the vaginal opening that can occur during vaginal childbirth.

A physiotherapist specializing in women’s pelvic health, pelvic floor, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum issues.

The opening in the pelvic floor muscles through which the urethra, vagina, and rectum pass.

A general term for the involuntary leakage of urine, gas, and/or stool.

A cube-shaped type of pessary that provides support for pelvic organ prolapse. It is often used for more pronounced prolapse or when a ring pessary does not provide enough support.

A group of pelvic floor muscles that support the pelvic organs and help maintain continence.

An injury to the pelvic floor muscles (levator ani) that can occur, for example, during childbirth and affect pelvic floor support and function.

When one or more of the pelvic organs descend toward or into the vagina because the support from the pelvic floor has been weakened.

The area of healthcare that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the time shortly after giving birth.

A condition where you often feel a sudden, strong need to urinate, with or without urine leakage.

A condition where the pelvic floor and perineum move further downward than normal, especially when straining, for example during a bowel movement.

The area between the vaginal opening and the anus. It contains muscles and tissue that are part of the pelvic floor.

A medical device placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs in cases of prolapse. The most common type is a ring pessary, but pessaries come in several different shapes.

The medical term for the period after giving birth.

The final stage of childbirth, when the cervix is fully dilated and the woman actively pushes to help the baby move through the birth canal.

A type of pelvic organ prolapse where the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.

Den indvendige væg i skeden, som består af slimhinde, muskler og bindevæv. Ved nedsynkning kan bækkenorganerne bule ind mod skedens for- eller bagvæg.

A ring-shaped muscle that controls the opening and closing of body openings, for example around the anus.

A tear during childbirth where the anal sphincter is partially or completely torn. This is also known as a third- or fourth-degree tear.

Involuntary urine leakage during physical activity or movements that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as coughing, sneezing, running, or jumping.

A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area, as if something is pulling downward. It can be caused by changes in the pelvic floor.

Another term for an enterocele – a prolapse where the small intestine bulges downward.

Urine leakage linked to a sudden, strong need to urinate that can be difficult to hold back.

A general term for involuntary urine leakage.

A type of pelvic organ prolapse where the uterus drops down into the vagina. In more severe cases, the uterus can partially or completely protrude through the vaginal opening.

The internal canal that connects the external female genitals to the uterus.

A condition where the muscles around the vaginal opening tighten involuntarily, which can make penetration painful or difficult.

The external female genitals.