Mons Pubis Overview
The mons pubis is a pad of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. It’s sometimes referred to as the mons or the mons veneris. While everyone has a mons pubis, it’s often more prominent in people with a vulva.
Read on to learn more about the anatomy of the mons pubis, as well as the possible causes of pain or bumps in the area.
The mons pubis is located over the pubic bone and the pubic symphysis joint. The pubic bone is one of the three parts of the hip bone. It’s also the frontmost facing portion of the hip bone. The pubic symphysis joint is where the pubic bones of the left and right hips join together.
The mons pubis is made up of fatty tissue. It’s shaped like an upside-down triangle, extending from the top of the public hairline to the genitals. It extends from the top of the pubic hairline to the top of the sex organs.
During puberty, the mons pubis becomes covered in pubic hair.
Symphysis pubis dysfunction
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) occurs when the symphysis joint of the pelvis becomes too relaxed, leading to pain in the pelvic girdle. It’s usually related to pregnancy or giving birth.
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Widening of the symphysis joint is a normal part of the body’s preparations for vaginal birth. It usually doesn’t cause any lasting issues with the joint. However, when temporary changes to the joint cause pain, it can make daily life more difficult during pregnancy.
The main symptom of SPD is pain. It can be felt as a shooting, burning, or grinding sensation. This pain might be felt:
- over the pubic bone
- between the vagina and anus
- on one or both sides of the lower back
- radiating into the thighs
SPD can also make it hard to:
- walk around
- lift objects
- move the legs apart
While SPD tends to occur more during pregnancy, it doesn’t always have a clear cause. In these cases, it may be related to instability of the pelvic girdle.
The following factors can also increase your risk for developing SPD:
- a history of pelvic pain
- previous damage or injury to the pelvis
- having experienced SPD during a previous pregnancy
- working a job that’s very physically demanding
Treating SPD often involves a combination of rest and physical therapy to help strengthen the pelvic floor. When SPD happens during pregnancy, symptoms usually improve after giving birth.
In rare cases, the symphysis joint can widen too far or separate when giving birth. This can cause severe pain after birth. While it can often be treated with rest and physical therapy, sometimes surgery is needed to stabilize the joint.
Osteitis pubis
Osteitis pubis is an inflammation of the symphysis joint of the pelvis, which sits under the mons pubis. It often occurs in athletes.
The main symptom of osteitis pubis is pain in the pubic or groin area. It often radiates to the thighs. This pain may come on gradually or suddenly.
Osteitis pubis is usually caused by overuse or stress of the pelvic muscles or hip. In rare cases, it may be related to pregnancy, a urological or gynecological procedure, or a rheumatic condition.
Similar to SPD, osteitis pubis is usually treated with rest, followed by gentle strengthening exercises. Anti-inflammatory medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections, can also help manage inflammation.
