The question of whether women have a “gooch” is best answered by clarifying the anatomy. The term “gooch” is a common slang word for the perineum, the anatomical region at the base of the pelvis. This area exists in all human beings, regardless of sex, making the answer a definitive yes. The slang is often associated with male anatomy because the visible skin bridge is more pronounced between the scrotum and the anus than the corresponding area between the vulva and the anus. The perineum is a structure of skin, muscle, and tissue that performs several significant functions in both males and females.
Defining the Perineum
The perineum is a diamond-shaped region forming the floor of the pelvis. Its boundaries are defined by four bony landmarks: the pubic symphysis in the front, the coccyx (tailbone) at the back, and the two ischial tuberosities (sit bones) on either side. An imaginary line between the ischial tuberosities divides the diamond into two distinct triangular areas.
The anterior region is the Urogenital Triangle, containing the external genitalia and the openings for the urinary and reproductive tracts. The posterior region is the Anal Triangle, which encompasses the anus and the associated sphincter muscles. This division helps categorize the different structures within the perineal region.
The perception of the perineum being male-associated stems from the visual difference in the urogenital triangle. In males, this area contains the base of the scrotum and penis, creating a clear skin separation from the anus. In females, the same region houses the vulva, where the skin between the vaginal opening and the anus is comparatively shorter.
Specific Female Perineal Anatomy
The female perineum is structured in layers, from the superficial skin and fascia to the deepest muscular layer that contributes to the pelvic floor. The anterior Urogenital Triangle contains the external female genitalia, known as the vulva, including the labia majora and minora. Openings for the urethra and the vagina pass through the perineal membrane, a strong sheet of fascia, within this triangle.
Several muscles support these openings, including the bulbospongiosus muscles, which surround the vaginal and urethral orifices and are involved in sexual response. The posterior Anal Triangle is consistent between the sexes, housing the anal canal and the external anal sphincter muscle. This voluntary muscle controls defecation.
The perineal body is a tough, fibromuscular mass located centrally where the urogenital and anal triangles meet, positioned between the vagina and the rectum. This dense structure serves as a central attachment point for several muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum. The integrity of the perineal body is essential for providing support to the pelvic organs and maintaining structural stability.
Functional Roles of the Perineum
The network of muscles and connective tissue within the perineum serves multiple biological functions. Its most recognized role is providing support for the pelvic organs, acting as a muscular hammock for the bladder, uterus, and rectum, preventing them from descending out of position. The perineal muscles, especially those attached to the perineal body, coordinate with the larger pelvic floor muscles to maintain this foundational support.
A primary function is the maintenance of continence, both urinary and fecal. The external urethral and anal sphincter muscles, which are part of the perineum, are under voluntary control. This allows conscious regulation of the release of urine and stool. The nerve supply, primarily from the pudendal nerve, is responsible for the sensation and motor control necessary for these functions.
The perineum is also involved in the reproductive process. During vaginal childbirth, the perineal body and surrounding tissues must stretch significantly to allow the baby’s head to pass through the birth canal. This distension makes the perineum susceptible to tearing or requiring a surgical incision, known as an episiotomy. Healing and rehabilitation after childbirth are important steps in restoring the strength and function of the pelvic floor.