PC Muscle (Pubococcygeus)
Definition
The pubococcygeus (PC) is a muscle that forms part of the levator ani group within the pelvic floor. It runs from the pubic bone toward the coccyx. In popular discussion of Kegel exercises, “PC muscle” is often used loosely to refer to the entire set of pelvic floor muscles that can be voluntarily contracted.
In anatomical precision, the muscles most relevant to male sexual function also include the bulbocavernosus and ischiocavernosus. For practical exercise purposes, the everyday cue of “stopping urine flow” or “preventing gas” recruits a combination of these muscles.
Why It Matters
The term “PC muscle” appears frequently in older popular literature on male Kegels. Understanding that the functional target is the broader pelvic floor (not a single isolated muscle) helps men focus on correct technique rather than an overly narrow mental image.
Examples
- Many beginner Kegel instructions still say “squeeze your PC muscle.”
- Clinical pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses the whole complex, not only the pubococcygeus.