Perineal membrane

Looks like

A tough triangular sheet filling the pubic arch, pierced by the urethra — and in women by the vagina.

What it does

Anchors the erectile tissue — the root of the penis or of the clitoris — and supports the pelvic organs from below.

Keeping it well

Pelvic-floor exercises; in women, damage in childbirth can contribute to prolapse years later, and in men a fall astride can tear the urethra where it passes through.

Related conditions

• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Chronic constipation
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Prostatitis & pelvic pain
• Rectal prolapse