Are thongs harmful for women? Why wearing thongs is harmful

Why you can't wear thongs

ThongsA type of panties, they look like a triangle with thin strings, and are cut very deeply at the back.
Most often they have a high waist. Extremely popular. Cheap thongs are made of synthetic fabrics - nylon, nylon, etc. Synthetic materials allow air to pass through very poorly, moisture accumulates, and diaper rash appears. This promotes the activation of harmful microflora - pathogenic microorganisms - bacteria that multiply quickly in a warm, humid environment. All this can serve as the beginning of the development of fungal diseases and inflammatory processes, especially in people with weakened immune systems who are taking antibiotics. In the presence of infectious diseases, the harm of thongs

may occur while taking antibiotics, due to a violation of the microflora in the vagina; synthetic underwear (especially the thong type) can provoke the development of thrush (especially when the immune system is weakened, fungal organisms begin to develop faster).

The danger of thongs is the thin braid that is located between the buttocks, especially if the underwear is not chosen to fit (thongs are often worn tight - the underwear sits very tightly on the body, cuts into the skin, which in itself is uncomfortable). During movements, it rubs the mucous, delicate skin of the genitals, leading to irritation, inflammation, infections, injury, resulting in damage to the strings

can be quite extensive.

The pressure of the thong tape occurs specifically on the anus. Mechanical impact - prolonged constant friction, contributes to the development of hemorrhoids.

If rubbing and irritation occurs constantly, then the microcracks become inflamed and there is a risk of contracting various infections. For example, papelomavirus can penetrate the mucous membrane only if there are cracks (and a condom does not protect against it). If there are cracks, it can become infected even through close household contact.

The band fits closely to the anus and during movements transfers bacteria from the anus to the urethra. The source of the infection quickly spreads and ultimately penetrates the vagina and bladder, causing the occurrence of:

Fungal diseases
Dysbacteriosis
Gardnerellosis
Development of urinary tract infections (cystitis, etc.)

Also, underwear that presses can provoke bartholinitis - inflammation of the large gland of the vestibule of the vagina, the causative agents of which are various microbes - staphylococci, gonococci, etc.

Therefore, experts consider thongs to be unhygienic underwear - the microflora in the vagina changes, more discharge appears, resulting in an unpleasant odor and the need to wash it off more often. Glycogen and fermented milk bacillus, which act as protection for our mucous membrane, are washed away. As a result of frequent washing of the genitals, the normal microflora of the vagina is disrupted, which fights all foreign microorganisms that come into contact with them. For this reason, wearing such underwear disrupts biocinesis in the vagina. Such infection leads to bacterial vaginosis, this disease is the most dangerous during pregnancy (it can provoke premature rupture of water).

Constantly wearing thongs leads to atrophy of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia, as a result of which the harm of thongs manifests itself not only in relation to the genitals, but can lead to cancer.

Thongs are not comfortable during active movement - running, in the gym, etc.

In case of falls, blows, or car accidents, wearing thongs increases the risk of genital injury.

Why do women wear thongs?

How to wear a thong correctly

Gynecologists advise women to wear thong panties as little as possible.

Synthetic underwear, panty liners and thongs provoke irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the perineum. They themselves are not pathogens, but synthetics do not allow air to pass through, thereby creating a favorable atmosphere for the proliferation of existing harmful bacteria. For this reason, use underwear made from non-natural fabrics - once or twice a week. Constantly wearing such underwear can be hazardous to health.

Studies have proven that everyday wearing of synthetic underwear provokes the development of various types of oncology - the formation of cancer of the internal organs of a woman’s reproductive system, bladder, colon and rectum. Women who prefer to wear thongs are more likely to suffer from bladder inflammation.

During periods of taking antibiotics (in the presence of infection), wearing synthetic underwear is strictly prohibited.

Underwear should be made only from natural materials.

How to choose a thong

Thongs.

Instructions

The name thong comes from the English word “string”, which means lace, rope or tie. Most often, thongs are worn by women, although some men also prefer this item of underwear. Women associate thongs with summer, the beach and a great mood. And for good reason! After all, it is not recommended to wear this underwear in cold weather, otherwise you can “earn” unpleasant diseases. Be sure to look at what the thong you buy is made of. Even if the underwear is made of synthetic fabric, the gusset of the thong should still be made of cotton.
Doctors say that thongs and their unhygienic use can cause irritation, bacterial and fungal infections of the vagina, and hemorrhoids. Therefore, do not buy or wear smaller thongs, and try not to wear them at home. Please note that these panties are not practical underwear. Rather, it is an erotic toilet item. For everyday wear, you should choose more comfortable and safe options. So, in thongs, bacteria multiply much faster than in regular underwear. Wear thongs on special occasions: when you're going on a date with a guy and need to look your best.
When going to the store to buy underwear, know that there are 4 types of thongs: T, G, V and C. T-strings are panties with three thin fabric lines meeting at the back in the shape of the letter T. G-strings are a type tanga underwear. At the back they have a small triangle of fabric. Narrow stripes extend from it to the hips and down. V-thongs are similar to model G, with the only difference being that three thin stripes or elastic bands form a triangle at the back. Then the stripes also diverge towards the hips and down. There is no fabric in the center of the V-string triangle. C-strings do not have elastic on the sides. They are held in place by an elastic frame and silicone strips.
There is a large selection of thongs with various lace inserts, feathers, rhinestones and other decorative elements. If you have a romantic night ahead, choose just these panties for yourself. In addition, there are swimsuits with thongs. They contribute to the acquisition of a uniform and attractive tan. Such swimsuits are especially popular in Europe, and especially in Germany and Spain. Doctors say that sunbathing in such swimming trunks is extremely dangerous, because the skin on the buttocks is very delicate. Therefore, it is recommended to always use sunscreen.
The advantage of this type of underwear is that it is invisible under tight-fitting sportswear, tight-fitting dresses, leggings, tights, jeans, shorts, and so on. In thong panties, the buttocks look more beautiful, because they are not constrained by anything and are as open as possible. This type of underwear is ideal for girls with a good figure and who have something to show off. Those who like a minimum of clothing will also be pleased with thong panties.

Thongs are one of the types of underwear. This type of underwear has a peculiar design that looks like a triangle with thin ropes. Recently they have become extremely popular.

Few women think about the question of whether wearing thongs is harmful and how thongs are harmful to the female body.

Thongs are underwear that are not recommended for everyday wear or for sports activities.

In the event of a transport emergency, wearing this type of underwear can lead to serious injuries to the genitals.

Doctors recommend the use of such panties in exceptional cases when wearing tight clothing or clothing that is translucent is expected. Doctors also recommend wearing thongs when going out with evening wear.

Most doctors say that thongs are harmful to health.

Why is it harmful to wear thongs? Very often, to reduce the cost of products, manufacturers use synthetic fabrics to make their products. Such fabrics can be nylon and nylon.

What is the harm of thongs made from such materials? The fact is that materials of synthetic origin have low air permeability, which leads to the fact that moisture begins to accumulate on the surface of the underwear, causing diaper rash.

In places where moisture accumulates, favorable conditions arise for the development of pathogenic microflora. Elevated temperature and humidity are factors that activate the process of bacterial reproduction.

An increase in the number of bacteria can serve as the beginning of the development of a fungal disease or inflammation of the intimate organs in women with a weakened immune system; this effect is especially pronounced if the woman used antibiotics that further weakened the immune system when treating any disease.

The use of thongs can lead to disturbances in the microflora in the vagina. Wearing this type of underwear in women can provoke the development of thrush.

Very often, women buy underwear that fits tightly on the body. In this case, the greatest danger for women is the band, which cuts into the skin and irritates the genital area. This leads to inflammatory processes, injury and irritation.

In addition to the harm from thongs, the pressure of the tape exerted on the anus leads to its irritation. If a girl wears thongs for a long time and does not wear any other type of underwear, this can provoke the development of hemorrhoids.

Girls who constantly wear this type of panties experience constant irritation of the anal area, leading to the appearance of microcracks through which the penetration of harmful infections is facilitated.

Girls don’t have to completely give up using this type of panties, but they should wear them alternating with other types of this item of clothing.

In this case, the harm from thongs to women's health will be minimal or practically undetectable.

What are the consequences of wearing thongs for a long time?

The danger of wearing this type of underwear for a long time is that the tight fit of the tape to the girl’s anus helps transport bacteria from the anus to the intimate area.

The emerging focus of pathogenic bacteria begins to harm women's health, as bacteria penetrate into the urethra and vagina.

As a result of the formation of a focus of pathogenic bacteria in the intimate area, bacteria penetrate into the bladder and deep into the vagina.

Girls wearing thongs very often complain of discomfort in the body; this condition may be associated with the development of the following ailments:

fungal diseases;
dysbacteriosis;
gardnerellosis;
urinary tract infections such as cystitis

In addition, wearing such underwear can harm women's health by constantly irritating the large gland located in the vestibule of the vagina.

Such irritation leads to the appearance of an inflammatory process and the development of bartholinitis.

The occurrence of such problems with women's health is most often associated with the penetration of microorganisms such as staphylococci and gonococci.

Why are thongs harmful? The answer to this question among medical workers is unequivocal - the harmfulness of this type of underwear lies in its contribution to a change in the microflora of the intimate area.

Wearing such panties increases the volume of secretions, which leads to increased growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. An increase in the amount of discharge leads to more frequent hygiene procedures. When carrying out the latter, glycogen and lactic acid bacillus are washed off from the surface of the mucous membrane, which act as a protective barrier for the genital mucosa.

Forced frequent hygiene procedures provoke the death of beneficial microflora and, as a result, their replacement by pathogenic microorganisms. There is a violation of biocenesis in the vagina.

Infection can cause bacterial vaginosis. The development of vaginosis is especially dangerous for a woman during pregnancy.

This disease can cause premature water breakage and premature birth.

Panties that are chosen correctly fit the body freely and do not leave marks on the skin. These are the properties they should have. Thong

, of course, will not go out of fashion soon, but they do not possess these properties.

Gynecologists do not recommend girls and women to wear thongs too often. So that they can be worn and not look funny, they simply must be made of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon. And this is an extremely unhygienic material, at least for intimate clothing. These materials retain moisture, creating a warm, moist environment that is more suitable for bacteria than nutrient broth from a laboratory.

Why don't they go out of fashion?

Thongs came into everyday wardrobe in the 70s. This happened in America and Europe. This could not have happened in the USSR; public morality did not allow such phenomena. But when the 90s came, such panties began to appear in Russia.

The girls loved them so much that several pairs of such underwear were purchased at once. There must be good reasons for popularity. Supporters of wearing open panties name the following:

In summer it is not hot in thongs, but in other models there is a feeling of temperature discomfort;
they are not visible under tight-fitting clothing;
they are comfortable to wear under white trousers or a skirt;
panties slightly raise the buttocks, making these roundness more seductive;
as swim trunks, they open up additional areas of the body for tanning;
used to seduce their boyfriend.

Dangers of wearing thongs for girls

This is, in fact, the main danger, but not the last. They claim that thongs enlarge the genitals in case of falls or accidents, but it is unlikely that anyone can be scared by what may or may not happen.

Girls in thongs

it is both beautiful and attractive, perhaps even convenient, but not entirely safe. There are times when they are irreplaceable, for example when worn under transparent or tight clothes. Or very desirable, for example, in anticipation of intimacy, or in ultraviolet baths in a solarium.

In all other cases, it is better to refuse to wear them. Just wear it under jeans - why?

Yes, and you can sunbathe in them only in a solarium, and on the sand you will have to pre-treat the entire beach with some kind of antiseptic, such as bleach. Or don't get up from the sun lounger.

What types of thongs are there?

Probably everyone knows what thongs are and what they look like. Even men know that these are panties with a thin ribbon and the whole butt is out in them. But in fact, these open panties also have, so to speak, subspecies.

Traditional thong. This type has a wide triangle at the front and a narrow stripe at the back.
G-string. These panties have a very thin elastic band that holds them on the hips and the triangle in the front is also small
The third type is Tanga. It is a kind of mixture of traditional and G strigs. The band around the hips is wide, and only the upper part of the buttocks is covered from behind. Everything in the crotch is traditional

The benefits or harm of thongs

That is, there are very few probable cases of extremely desirable wearing of thongs, and in all other cases it is not worth wearing them, if only because the positive aspects of thongs end at these two moments in life, but on the other side of the scales lie many negative factors. Is it harmful to wear thongs?

? Of course it's harmful.

God be with him, with discomfort and some awkwardness, women went to great hardships to seek the attention of men.

To study, to work or to a club?

You can wear these panties anywhere as long as they are comfortable for you. Avoid having your top showing through your low-rise jeans. Also wear them exclusively in the warm season. For our cold weather, it is worth choosing other styles made from natural fibers.

Important! To ensure that thongs are truly invisible under clothing, do not buy underwear in small sizes. Cutting into the body, they form deep grooves that are sure to be visible from the outside. It is better to buy panties of this model a little more than you need. It will stick well to the body and will not be visible to anyone.

The danger of cancer

Continuous wearing of synthetic underwear increases, for example, cancer:

rectum and colon,
Bladder,
internal reproductive female organs.

In the case of thongs, one-day sanitary pads will not help much either; they may reduce the risk of dangerous diseases, but they will not nullify it.

A rope passed between the legs definitely rubs the skin, and this happens in extremely tender and intimate places. Great method. Another achievement of this string is that it is an ideal bridge for the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urinary and genital organs, and vice versa. This, naturally, contributes to the development of inflammatory phenomena in both places. There are also chafing of the skin, riddling it with abrasions and scratches, which are very susceptible to fungal diseases, the treatment of which is quite a long and tedious task.

But if the thong size is also chosen incorrectly, consider that you are already at risk. It’s quite possible to catch a couple of nasty diseases.

Do not prohibit women from wearing thongs, piercings, or high heels. All this is harmful and dangerous, but if you adhere to the rule that all this should be used only when necessary, there is a chance to still live until retirement.

Now almost every girl has thongs. Thanks to them, ladies love to emphasize the pleasant roundness of their butt, which makes it much more attractive. In addition, with such panties you can avoid completely unnecessary underwear from under your skirt or trousers. And although they are in some sense irreplaceable, most doctors agree that thongs are harmful to women's health, since they cause various infectious diseases to develop.

What does science say about this?

The first to notice that thongs can be harmful to health were scientists from Germany. Infatuation with open panties leads to fungal or bacterial infections of the vagina, injuries to delicate skin, irritation and the development of hemorrhoids. Women who always wear only thongs suffer from cystitis more often than other women. A narrow strip of thong fabric cuts into the mucous membrane and very often injures it. A focus of infection appears at the site of injury, after which bacteria penetrate inside.

If you choose this kind of underwear, you increase the risk of injury to your genitals if you hit or fall. If you “cover” the most feminine parts of your body in the cold with thongs and thin nylon tights, you risk contracting cystitis and other dangerous diseases that are often practically untreatable.

Contraindications

Thongs are not recommended to be worn in the following cases:

dilated hemorrhoidal veins;
treatment of hemorrhoidal cones and rehabilitation period;
damage to the genital organs by papillomas;
parasite infection;
tendency to develop thrush;
menstruation;
mild incontinence;
heavy premenstrual discharge.

Thongs do not cause hemorrhoids, but they do exacerbate them. With papillomas, panties are dangerous due to damage to the formations.

During heavy monthly discharge and exacerbation of candidiasis, narrow strips will not protect against leakage and bacterial infection.

On such days, you need to give priority to hygiene and convenience. The same argument applies to mild urinary incontinence after childbirth, with diseases of the bladder and kidneys.

How to avoid bad consequences when wearing

How to wear thongs without harm to health:

choose underwear from natural fabrics;
select panties according to size;
do not pull too high to raise the fit;
play sports in classic models of panties made of natural cotton;
after 6-8 hours, change and wash penetrating linen;
wash yourself 2 times a day;
do not wear every day in cold weather;
alternate with classic slips;
wear for a special occasion, under a tight-fitting outfit, in the solarium.

Putting on a thong for the first time causes discomfort, like flip-flops. For the delicate skin of the perineum, even soft natural fabric will seem hard, not to mention wire covered with synthetics. You need to gradually get used to thongs. Only then will it be possible to appreciate their benefits.

What are the dangers of thongs?

Most often, this part of the wardrobe is made of synthetic material. And since such panties are cheaper than those made from natural material, the demand for them is huge. In addition, you can even buy them in any supermarket, not to mention specialized stores. It is synthetics that irritate the skin of intimate places, breathe poorly, and allow moisture to pass through. Unfortunately, such an environment is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. The string or cord at the back of the thong is also a problem. Because of this string, bacteria can be transferred from the anus to the urethra, thereby causing diseases such as cystitis or candiosis.

Try to wear thongs no more than twice a week and remember: it is advisable to change such underwear twice a day! Choose a fabric that is highly breathable and does not create a “greenhouse” effect.

If you always wear synthetics, use unscented daily bags. Choose thongs by size. Tight and tight panty models are a sure way to cause dangerous infections. Wear regular underwear at night and avoid wearing thongs on the coldest days.

Thongs can cause dangerous infections and diseases such as:

urethritis;
cystitis;
thrush (fungal infection);
gardnerellosis;
hemorrhoids;
bartholinitis (inflammation of the large gland of the vaginal vestibule);
dysbacteriosis (disorders of female microflora).

What to prefer to thongs?

It is advisable to give preference to linen made from natural fabrics, which are highly breathable and do not create a “greenhouse” effect. If you regularly wear synthetic underwear, do not forget to use pads every day and change them regularly. The same applies to thongs (or tango briefs). Their “harmfulness” is reduced when worn correctly and in size.

By the way, there are also defenders in the “charge trial” against thongs. British doctors, for example, believe that the problem is not at all in the model of panties, but in the correct choice of their size and the quality of tailoring. In their opinion, it is not so much the thongs that are to blame, but the bad habit of many ladies to choose underwear that is not the right size - too tight and narrow. Wearing such underwear leads to various ailments.

What kind of panties do you prefer to wear? Do you pay attention to the material before purchasing? Write to us!

How to avoid risks?

Of course, it is necessary to listen to doctors. However, in the life of any girl there are situations when you can’t do without small panties. Therefore, we will give some tips so that you don’t have to choose between beauty and health.

You don't need to wear a thong every day. Do this only when really necessary. Wearing them infrequently will not damage your intimate microflora.
Narrow thongs can lead to compression of the portable vessels, which are responsible for the blood supply to the pelvis. This can lead to infertility. Therefore, do not go for small sizes.
Pay attention to the material from which this part of a woman’s wardrobe is made. Let it look beautiful, but if it is made of synthetics, refuse to buy it. Be sure to use panty liners so that your delicate skin does not come into contact with the fabric.

When choosing underwear, pay attention to fabrics from:

calico;
silks;
flax;
viscose;
cotton;
canvases.

They will ensure normal air flow to the skin, avoiding the greenhouse effect and irritation. Lingerie made from natural fabrics will allow you to feel comfortable throughout the day. When choosing thongs, pay attention to the presence of a cotton insert in the panties, made of microfiber, which makes the material soft, smooth and elastic.

Thongs and pregnancy

Doctors do not recommend that pregnant women wear thongs at all. Why? Yes, because the harm from them doubles in an interesting situation, and foreign bacteria can harm an unborn child. The health of the expectant mother may also suffer. During pregnancy, under the influence of hormones, the genitals become more vulnerable and more susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, if you are going to become a mother, hold off on wearing thongs until after the postpartum period.

In addition, synthetics, from which thongs are most often made, have an extremely negative effect on the microflora of a woman’s genital organs. Often, wearing thongs during pregnancy causes fungal and urinary infections, and thrush. At first, these diseases are not very noticeable, but after some time, changes in the vaginal microflora lead to an unpleasant odor and abundant discharge.

It is not surprising that a woman in an interesting position, having noticed heavy discharge and an unpleasant odor from the vagina, tries to hide the problem from others and begins to wash herself more often, thereby making a big mistake. After all, along with harmful bacteria and microorganisms, it also washes away healthy microflora. The right decision in this situation would be to first contact a gynecologist.

If the expectant mother suddenly develops any infectious diseases of the genital tract, the gynecologist will immediately prescribe treatment. Of course, medications will have a negative impact on the baby, but much less than an infection that can lead to multiple pathologies of the fetus.

When exactly should you give up thongs?

There are times when it is better to change your thong to another, hygienic and comfortable underwear.

Gynecologists advise against wearing thongs:

hot summer (in such conditions bacteria and fungi multiply);
during the cold season (can cause hypothermia).

To avoid infections and diseases dangerous to the female body, alternate thongs with closed-type underwear (shorts, slips, tango). Maintain personal hygiene daily. Avoid thongs at night. If possible, wear high-waisted or seamless alternatives. It will not only fit harmoniously into your outfit, but will also not harm your health. Thongs are also harmful for teenagers to wear due to the fact that the growing body has unstable immunity and is more susceptible to influence from various microorganisms.

Thongs A type of panties, they look like a triangle with thin strings, and are cut very deeply at the back. Most often they have a high waist. Extremely popular.

Cheap thongs are made of synthetic fabrics - nylon, nylon, etc. Synthetic materials allow air to pass through very poorly, moisture accumulates, and diaper rash appears. This promotes the activation of harmful microflora - pathogenic microorganisms - bacteria that multiply quickly in a warm, humid environment. All this can serve as the beginning of the development of fungal diseases and inflammatory processes, especially in people with weakened immune systems who are taking antibiotics.

In the presence of infectious diseases, the harm of thongs

can be quite extensive.

The pressure of the thong tape occurs specifically on the anus. Mechanical impact - prolonged constant friction, contributes to the development of hemorrhoids.

Fungal diseases
Dysbacteriosis
Gardnerellosis
Development of urinary tract infections (cystitis, etc.)

Constantly wearing thongs leads to atrophy of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia, as a result of which the harm of thongs manifests itself not only in relation to the genitals, but can lead to cancer.

Thongs are not comfortable during active movement - running, in the gym, etc.

In case of falls, blows, or car accidents, wearing thongs increases the risk of genital injury.

Benefit

Are they harmful?

Unfortunately, wearing thongs can be uncomfortable and unhygienic. The rope, which is essentially the back of the panties, can cut into the body, rub, and moving freely up and down, with a high degree of probability it can transfer bacteria from the anus to the genitals, which are a source of genitourinary infections. To prevent this from happening, you need to take a lot of precautions, and not all girls pay attention to such facts.

Another medical contraindication to wearing thongs would be poor circulation in the area compressed by the elastic band . After all, the correct size of panties is not always purchased; preference is often given to the model you like without taking into account your hip size.

Important! Don't use thongs as pajama bottoms. You need to sleep in loose clothes without extra laces or elastic bands.

And you should also not wear similar models of underwear if there is an exacerbation of hemorrhoids. The freely moving back part in the form of a rope between the buttocks can injure the sore spot and even provoke bleeding.

How to wear a thong correctly

Gynecologists advise women to wear thong panties as little as possible.

During periods of taking antibiotics (in the presence of infection), wearing synthetic underwear is strictly prohibited.

Underwear should be made only from natural materials.

Why are thongs bad for your health?

Studies have shown that women who wear thongs are more likely to suffer from bladder inflammation. A narrow strip of tissue cuts into the mucous membrane and injures it. A focus of infection occurs, which ultimately penetrates the bladder.
In addition, by choosing thongs, you increase the risk of injury to the genitals, for example, due to falls.

However, in fairness, it should be noted that any underwear made from synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or nylon, retains moisture, and a warm, humid environment is an ideal place for the growth of dangerous bacteria. In this case, thongs only “help” the resulting infection to spread quickly.
According to many experts, bacteria from the rectum easily travel the distance to the genitals, using a strip of thong panties as a convenient “vehicle”.

Perhaps, in our technological age, even more beautiful and “safe” models of underwear, including thongs, will soon be invented. After all, there are already “Faraday briefs” - underwear with thin microwires that protect the lower part of the body from the harmful radiation of mobile phones!

How to choose a thong

When choosing thongs, give preference to panties made from natural fabrics such as cotton, viscose, silk, linen, linen, and chintz.

Cotton
Viscose
Canvas
Chintz

Natural materials allow the skin to breathe, allow air to pass through well, do not create a greenhouse effect and protect the body from allergic reactions, providing it with comfort.

Also, any panties should have a cotton insert.

Often, cotton fabric has a microfiber insert added to it, which is ideal for underwear. Thanks to this, the material becomes smooth, soft, elastic and durable, withstanding several hundred washes. This type of underwear is comfortable and hygienic.

Thongs, like any underwear, must be chosen in your size (it should not press or rub). Tight-fitting, tight thongs rub the perineum and provoke various infectious diseases of the pelvic organs.