The female bulbocavernosus (bulbospongiosus) lies on either side of the vaginal orifice, encircling it and inserting onto the clitoral body. It forms part of the superficial perineal pouch alongside the ischiocavernosus and superficial transverse perineal muscles. It is thinner and more variable than its male homologue.
| Origin | Perineal body — central tendon of the perineum |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Clitoral corpus cavernosa and dorsal clitoral fascia anteriorly; perineal membrane posteriorly |
| Nerve Supply | Perineal branch of pudendal nerve (S2, S3, S4) |
| Blood Supply | Perineal artery |
| Actions | Compresses the vaginal orifice; Contributes to clitoral erection by compressing the deep dorsal vein of the clitoris; Assists in emptying the vagina during urination |
|---|
The female bulbocavernosus is disrupted in second-degree and higher perineal tears during childbirth, contributing to perineal body weakness and sexual dysfunction. It is repaired as part of episiotomy closure and perineal body reconstruction. Vaginismus (involuntary contraction of the perineal muscles around the vaginal orifice) predominantly involves the bulbocavernosus. Botulinum toxin injection and pelvic floor physiotherapy address hypertonicity.
Palpable as a thin band on each side of the vaginal introitus during pelvic floor contraction.
Loss of perineal body support from bulbocavernosus tearing during obstetric perineal trauma contributing to perineal descent and sexual dysfunction, repaired by layered perineal body reconstruction.
