If You Have These Two Holes in Your Lower Back, It Means You Don’t…
You may have seen them before—two small, symmetrical indentations in the lower back, just above the buttocks. They appear on some people, often visible when wearing a swimsuit or low-rise pants, and have sparked curiosity, admiration, and even superstition over the years.
But what exactly are these two holes in your back? And what does it really mean if you have them—or don’t?
Let’s explore the science, the symbolism, and the common misconceptions behind these naturally occurring anatomical features, often called “Venus dimples.”
What Are They?
The indentations you’re seeing are medically known as sacral dimples or dimples of Venus in women, and dimples of Apollo in men. They sit over the sacroiliac joints, where the pelvis and spine meet, and are located directly above the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS).
These dimples form due to a short ligament stretching between the skin and the underlying bone structure. In people with less subcutaneous fat and tighter skin, the tension on the ligament pulls slightly inward, causing the dimples to appear.
They are completely normal, non-functional anatomical features—and yes, some people are just born with them.
What Does It Mean If You Have Them?
Let’s clear up one thing first: having these dimples doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthier or more fit than others. While some have claimed they are signs of athleticism, good genetics, or even a high libido, the truth is more nuanced.
Here’s what they may indicate:
1. Genetic Body Fat Distribution
If you have Venus dimples, it often means your body naturally stores less fat in that specific area. It can be a genetic trait, similar to having a cleft chin or dimples on your cheeks. It doesn’t mean you’re underweight or super-fit—just that your anatomy allows the bones and ligaments to be more visible through the skin.
2. Good Circulation in the Pelvic Region
Some claim these dimples are associated with better blood flow and nerve connectivity around the pelvic region, especially in women. Though this hasn’t been definitively proven, there’s a popular belief (especially in holistic and tantric communities) that Venus dimples may correlate with enhanced sensitivity and sexual response.
3. Stable Spine and Pelvis Alignment
Because they form around key joints in the lower back, some physical therapists and chiropractors associate these dimples with proper pelvic alignment. However, having—or not having—them doesn’t directly reflect spinal health.
What If You Don’t Have Them?
If you don’t have Venus or Apollo dimples, that’s completely normal too. In fact, the majority of people don’t. Their visibility depends on bone structure, muscle tone, and body composition—none of which can be fully controlled through diet or exercise alone.
So if yours are missing, that doesn’t mean:
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You’re unhealthy
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You’re overweight
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You’re “less attractive”
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You’re doing something wrong
It simply means your unique anatomy is different—and that’s perfectly okay.
Can You “Get” Them Through Exercise?
Short answer: not exactly.
You can’t build Venus dimples the way you can build abs or glutes, because they aren’t muscles. However, strengthening the lower back, glutes, and core can reduce body fat and highlight underlying anatomical features—making dimples more visible if you already have them.
Some exercises that might help include:
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Romanian deadlifts
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Glute bridges
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Planks
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Hip thrusts
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Back extensions
Still, you either have the structure for dimples or you don’t. No exercise can create them from scratch.
Where Did the Name “Venus Dimples” Come From?
The term “dimples of Venus” comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and love. During the Renaissance, artists often depicted her with these back dimples, associating them with sensuality, femininity, and allure.
In men, the term “dimples of Apollo” was used—Apollo being the god of strength, beauty, and masculinity.
These mythological connections cemented the dimples as aesthetic symbols—markers of beauty that continue to spark intrigue today.
Do They Have Medical Significance?
Generally, no. But it’s important not to confuse Venus dimples with congenital sacral dimples, which can be present in newborns and may sometimes be linked to spinal issues or tethered spinal cords. If a dimple is deep, asymmetrical, or shows signs of discharge or discoloration, it’s best to consult a doctor.
But for healthy adults with symmetrical dimples in the lower back, there’s no cause for concern. They’re simply an anatomical feature with no medical downside.
Cultural Myths and Misunderstandings
Over the years, these dimples have taken on urban legend status. You may have heard:
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“People with Venus dimples are better in bed.”
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“They mean you’ll never have back pain.”
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“Only fit people have them.”
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“It’s a fertility sign.”
While fun to speculate, these claims are largely myths. They reduce a complex human body to a couple of skin indentations. Let’s keep it factual: they look cool—but they don’t define you.
Celebrities and Social Media Obsession
Several celebrities—like Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, and David Beckham—have famously flaunted their lower-back dimples, causing a surge in public interest.
Some influencers have even promoted cosmetic procedures to create Venus dimples, such as liposuction or body sculpting surgeries, which many experts warn against. Since the appearance of these dimples is mostly determined by bone structure, artificial enhancements rarely look natural or symmetrical.
Fitness influencers also often exploit Venus dimples as “fitspo”—but remember: true health has many forms, and body composition alone doesn’t tell the full story.
In Conclusion
If you have these two small holes on your lower back, it simply means your bone structure and skin allow those anatomical features to show. That’s it.
They’re not a medical condition, not a health guarantee, and certainly not a measure of beauty or worth.
Your body is unique. Whether you’ve got dimples, freckles, scars, or stretch marks—it’s all part of your story.
Fun Fact: In some cultures, Venus dimples are believed to bring good luck or passion in relationships. Whether you believe that or not, there’s no harm in celebrating what makes your body yours.