You’ve probably noticed them—or had someone point them out: two small, symmetrical indentations just above the curve of your buttocks, near the top of your glutes.
Some call them “Venus dimples.” Others refer to them as “dimples of Venus” or “back dimples.”
While they’re often celebrated as a sign of beauty or allure (thanks, Instagram!), these subtle marks actually have fascinating anatomical, historical, and even spiritual significance.
But are they just a genetic quirk—or do they mean something deeper?
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅ The real medical name and function of these dimples
✅ Why some people have them—and others don’t
✅ The truth behind the “fertility” and “beauty” myths
✅ When to see a doctor (rarely, but it matters!)
✅ How they’ve been viewed across cultures and history
Because your body’s little details often tell a bigger story.
🩺 What Are They, Really? The Science Behind the Dimples
Medically, these indentations are called sacral dimples—but more precisely, when they appear bilaterally (on both sides), they’re known as “dimples of Venus.”
Where Are They Located?
- Just above the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine)
- Near the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS)—a bony landmark where ligaments attach
- Typically 2–5 cm above the gluteal cleft (butt crack)
Why Do They Form?
They’re caused by short ligaments connecting the skin to the underlying pelvic bone. When these ligaments are taut, they create a slight depression in the skin—especially visible when you have:
- Low body fat
- Strong gluteal muscles
- Certain genetic traits
💡 Key fact: They’re completely normal anatomical variations—like dimples on your cheeks or a cleft chin.
🧬 Why Some People Have Them—And Others Don’t
- Genetics: Venus dimples run in families—they’re inherited!
- Body composition: More visible in people with lower body fat and defined lower backs
- Pelvic structure: Wider or more prominent PSIS bones make dimples more pronounced
- Gender: More commonly seen in women due to wider pelvises—but men can have them too! (They’re sometimes called “dimples of Apollo” in men.)
🌍 Fun fact: Studies suggest only 20–30% of the population has visible Venus dimples—making them relatively rare!
🌹 The Myth: Beauty, Fertility, and Attraction
Historical & Cultural Beliefs:
- Ancient Greeks & Romans: Associated the dimples with Venus (Aphrodite), goddess of love and beauty—symbolizing sensuality and grace.
- Renaissance Art: Painters often accentuated them in nudes to convey idealized femininity.
- Modern Pop Culture: Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, and Ryan Gosling have made them a sought-after aesthetic trait.
But What About Fertility?
There’s no scientific link between Venus dimples and fertility, reproductive health, or hormone levels.
They’re purely structural—not hormonal.
❌ Myth busted: Having (or not having) them says nothing about your ability to conceive.
⚠️ When to Be Cautious: Rare Medical Considerations
In over 99% of cases, Venus dimples are harmless.
However, if you notice:
- A single dimple in the midline (not paired)
- A dimple with a tuft of hair, redness, swelling, or drainage
- Accompanied by lower back pain, leg weakness, or bladder issues
… it could be a sign of spinal dysraphism (like spina bifida occulta)—a congenital condition where the spine doesn’t fully close during fetal development.
🩺 When to see a doctor: Only if the dimple is midline, deep, or associated with neurological symptoms. Paired, shallow dimples at the PSIS? 100% normal.
💃 Why People Love Them (Beyond Aesthetics)
Beyond beauty, many find Venus dimples meaningful because they:
- Highlight natural body contours during movement or dance
- Feel like a unique, personal signature—yours alone
- Connect them to art, mythology, or self-expression
Some even choose tattoos or jewelry to accentuate them!
❤️ Final Thought: Your Body, Your Story
Venus dimples aren’t a sign of health, fertility, or worth.
But they are a reminder that your body is uniquely yours—marked by genetics, history, and the quiet beauty of human variation.
Whether you have them or not, what matters most is how you honor, protect, and move through the world in your one and only body.
💫 Because true beauty isn’t in the dimples—it’s in the way you carry yourself.
Found this enlightening?
👉 Save this guide for anatomy curiosity
👉 Share it with a friend who’s asked about their back dimples
👉 Comment below: Did you know the real name for “Venus dimples”?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. If you have concerns about a spinal dimple, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.