Origin
Ischial spine, obturator fascia.
Insertion
Coccyx, anococcygeal raphe.
Blood supply
Internal pudendal artery, internal iliac artery.
Nerve supply
Pudendal nerve.
Action
It helps to support the pelvic organs like bladder and rectum in males and females and uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in females.
Disease/Injury
Weakness of muscles may lead to vaginal prolapse in females where the upper portion of the vagina becomes loose and it sags down in the vaginal canal or outside. This leads to low back pain or pain during intercourse or incontinence. To cure it, surgery called iliococcygeus muscle fixation is done.
Muscle Exercise
To strengthen this muscle, you can practice locust pose. While lying on the abdomen, lift your arms, legs, head, and shoulder off the floor. Hold for 30 seconds and then relax. Repeat 5 times.
Interesting facts
Avoid vaginal vault prolapse by avoiding smoking, constipation, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoid straining like lifting heavy weights and standing for a long time.
