Difference Between Female Pelvis and Male Pelvis

Female Pelvis vs Male Pelvis

The pelvic region is the part of the body that connects the trunk, the upper body, to the lower legs or lower extremities. It is also where the reproductive organs and some parts of the small and large intestines are located. The pelvis has three bones: (1) hip bones, which are divided into left and right parts that fuse as we grow up, next is the lower part of the spine which is the (2) sacrum that consists of five bones that are joined together, and the (3) coccyx. The mere knowledge of the differences between the female and male pelvis is very important, especially in females, who are aspiring to become mothers in the near future. The pelvic symmetry is one of the most important factors considered during labor and delivery, whether delivered through a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD) or cesarean section because it serves as the passageway of the fetus.

There are many differences between a male pelvis and a female pelvis in terms of structure and function. A male pelvis is smaller and narrower in nature which is designed to support a heavy body build and a stronger muscle structure while a female pelvis is wider and roomier and mainly serves for the purpose of childbearing.

There are many characteristics that distinguish a male pelvis from a female pelvis. The male pelvis bone is heavier, taller, and much thicker compared to a female pelvis that is thinner and denser. The pelvis is composed of two fused hip bones also known as the coxal bones, the coccyx and sacrum. The hip bones are composed of 3 bones: the illium, the pubis, and the ischium. These three bones fuse to form a hip bone. When these two hip bones are fused, they form a pubic arch which differs from a male pelvis and a female pelvis. The pubic arch is the defining characteristic between the two pelvises. In a male pelvis, it is v-shaped while in the female the pubic arch is wider. The distal part of the spine is the sacrum and coccyx.

In a male pelvis, the coccyx is projected inwards and immovable compared to a female pelvis that is flexible and straighter which helps women in the delivery process. The female sacrum is wider, shorter, and has less curves. Thus, it provides more space in the pelvic cavity compared to a male’s who has a longer and narrower sacrum. The pelvis is connected to the bones in the lower extremities particularly the femur. The femur is attached to the acetabulum which is located at the pelvis. The acetabulum has a very significant difference between a male and female pelvis. A male acetabulum is much larger than a female acetabulum. The sciatic notch in the female pelvis is wider than that of a male pelvis. The pelvic inlet in a female pelvis is slightly oval in shape while a male pelvis has a heart-shaped pelvic inlet.

Determining the type and characteristics of a pelvis is very important especially during pregnancy and delivery. In order to be familiar with what type or the characteristics of pelvis a person may have, it is a must to consult a doctor and have it screened in order to detect abnormalities in the pelvis, particularly the pelvic inlet where the fetus must pass to have a safe and uncomplicated delivery.

SUMMARY:

Function

1.A male pelvis is designed to support a heavy body build and a stronger muscle structure while a female pelvis mainly serves for the purpose of childbearing.

Structure

1.A male pelvis is smaller and narrower while a female pelvis is wider and roomier.
2.A male pelvic bone is heavier, taller, and much thicker while a female pelvic bone is thinner and denser.
3.A male pelvis has a v-shaped pubic arch while a female pelvis has a pubic arch that is wider.
4.A male pelvis’ coccyx is projected inwards and immovable while a female pelvis has a flexible and straighter coccyx.
5.A male pelvis has a longer and narrower sacrum while a female pelvis has a sacrum that is wider, shorter, and less curved.
6.A male pelvis has an acetabulum that is larger while a female pelvis has a smaller one.
7.A male pelvis has a narrower sciatic notch while a female pelvis has a wider sciatic notch.
8.A male pelvis has a heart-shaped pelvic inlet while a female pelvis has a pelvic inlet that is slightly oval in shape.