If you've searched for "where is the pubic bone located", it's often because you want to pinpoint the area more accurately, understand why it might hurt, or know what to react to. The pubic bone is also called the os pubis and is part of the pelvis. It is located at the very front of the pelvic ring and meets in the middle of the body in a cartilaginous joint connection called the symphysis.

In this article, you'll find a practical, easy-to-understand guide to the location of the pubic bone, how to feel it, and what pain in the area typically might be related to. Along the way, we'll also distinguish between the pubic bone, the symphysis, and surrounding structures such as the hips, groin, and pelvic floor.

The pubic bone is the anterior part of the pelvic bone. You can think of the pelvis as a ring of bones, with the pubic bone forming the “front” at the bottom of the abdomen, just above the pubic hair/genital area. On each side, the pubic bone connects to the rest of the pelvic bone, which also contributes to the hip and hip socket.

A key detail is that the right and left pubic bones meet anteriorly in the midline at the symphysis. According to Lex.dk, the pubic bone is described as part of the pelvis, and the symphysis as the anterior connection where the pelvic bones meet. Source: Lex.dk (pubic bone/pelvis). https://lex.dk/skamben and https://lex.dk/b%C3%A6kkenet

The symphysis (pubic symphysis) is located right in the middle, where the two pubic bones meet. It acts as a relatively fixed, but slightly movable connection, which helps the pelvic ring to be stable while also allowing for some give under stress.

If you place a hand on the lower abdomen and move down towards the middle, the symphysis area will typically be around the hard "edge" just above the genital region. It's not always comfortable to press, especially if the area is irritated or stressed.

During pregnancy, the symphysis is often mentioned because hormonal changes can affect ligaments and cause tenderness around the pelvis. Source: Babyinstituttet (pelvis and pregnancy). https://www.babyinstituttet.dk/baekken-pelvis

If you want to locate your pubic bone gently, do so calmly and without hard pressure:

1. Stand up or lie on your back with bent knees, allowing your abdomen to relax.
2. Place your fingertips in the middle just above your genital region.
3. Feel for a firm bone edge at the front. This is the area of the pubic bone and symphysis.

Avoid repeatedly "testing" the area if you have obvious pain, swelling, fever, recent trauma (fall/blow), or severe pain when walking. In these cases, it's better to seek a professional assessment.

Pain in the front of the pelvis can come from several places, e.g., the symphysis, groin muscles, tendons, or pelvic floor. Some experience tenderness when:

• walking up stairs
• turning in bed
• standing on one leg (e.g., when putting on pants)

• Take shorter steps and avoid "twisting" your pelvis when getting up.
• Keep your legs together when turning in bed (think "knees together").
• Consider contacting a physiotherapist or midwife for persistent discomfort, especially during pregnancy.

Seek medical attention sooner if the pain is sudden and severe, if you cannot bear weight properly, or if you have accompanying fever/pronounced feeling of illness.

It may be relevant to be evaluated if you have pain that:

• persists or increases over days to weeks
• limits your daily life (walking, sleeping, working)
• feels like sharp pain directly at the front of the symphysis
• occurs after a fall or accident

A clinical examination will typically focus on mobility, pain provocation, and function. Imaging may be relevant in special situations, but this is assessed by healthcare professionals.

If your discomfort around the pelvis/pubic bone is related to pregnancy, some may benefit from external support in everyday life. A support belt, for example, can be used as a supplement to guidance and exercises from professionals. You can view the collection Support Belts and a specific product like the Maternity Support Belt.

The pubic bone (os pubis) is located at the front of the pelvis, and the two sides meet in the middle at the symphysis. The area can be tender under stress and in some during pregnancy, but pain can also originate from muscles and tendons around the groin and pelvis. For severe, sudden, or persistent pain, it makes sense to seek professional assessment.

Where is the pubic bone located in women and men?

Is the pubic bone the same as the symphysis?

Can you have pubic bone pain during pregnancy?

When should I contact a doctor for pubic bone pain?