Perineum Flashcards
what is the perineum
an anatomical area found between the thighs
what is the function of the pelvic floor
support the pelvic organs, maintain abdominal pressure, help defecation and micturition and help facilitate childbirth
what muscles predominately make up the pelvic floor
levator ani muscles
what are the names of the 3 elevator ani muscles
pubococcygeus, puborectalis, iliococcygeus
what is the perineal body
a fibrous patch which allows for the attachments of the pelvic floor muscles and prevents tearing between the vagina and external anal sphincter
what nerve supplies the pelvic floor
pudendal nerve
what is the function of bartholin’s glands
produce a mucus like fluid to keep the vagina moist
what is bartholintis
where the bartholin’s glands become blocked causing a cyst to form which then becomes infected/inflammed
what is an episiotomy
a medial-lateral incision in the bulbocarvernous in childbirth
when is an episiotomy done
when there is uncontrolled spitting of the perineum, if the baby is large, if the delivery is long/difficult (shoulder distortion)
what happens if the perineal body spilts
- dysfunction of external anal sphincter
- prolapse of the rectum (rectocele)
what are the complications of a spilt of the perineal body
haemorrhage, extension to the anal sphincters, infection and pain
what is a pelvic floor prolapse
where the pelvic floor muscles/ligaments weaken giving a loss of support for the pelvic organs
what are anterior pelvic prolapses
where the bladder prolapses onto the vagina - cystocele
what is a posterior pelvic prolapse
where the rectum prolapses onto the vagina - rectocele
what is a middle pelvic prolapse
where the uterus prolapses onto the vagina and through it
what can occur after a hysterectomy
the top of the vagina may prolapse giving a vaginal vault
where can the uterus be displaced to in a posterior pelvic prolapse
pouch of Douglas/retrovaginal space
what are the symptoms of a prolapse
not feeling emptied, discomfort, heaviness, lump
what is the management for pelvic floor prolapse
pelvic muscle exercises
surgery
pesseries
what are the risk factors for a pelvic prolapse
connective tissue disorders, giving birth, having a large baby, difficult delivery
how does damage to the pelvic floor cause urinary incontinence
the muscles contributing to the floor also contribute to the sphincters
what is the management of urinary incontinence
surgery
pelvic floor muscle exercises
what are the 4 types of FGM
1 = removal of the clitoris 2 = removal of clitoris, labia minora and labia majora 3 = sealing the vaginal orifice by bringing together the labia majora 4 = any other injure e.g. piercing, burning, scraping
