The female perineum
What is a Female Perineum ?
What is the role of the Perineum in Women?
The female perineum, also called the pelvic floor, is a "hammock"-shaped set of muscles, which extends from the pubis to the coccyx.
The muscles of the female perineum work daily.
- It supports the organs of the small pelvis (bladder, uterus, rectum).
- It guarantees the tightness of the sphincters, i.e. the opening and closing of the bladder and the rectum, thus ensuring good continence.
- It also contributes to sensations during intercourse.
What is a woman's perineum made of?
- Slow muscle fibers that give it its strength and thus ensure the support of the organs.
- Fast muscle fibers that contribute to the tightness of the sphincters.
The causes and consequences of a loose female perineum
The perineum in women is solicited daily.
It works almost continuously: when a woman has to urinate, sneezes, laughs loudly, or just when she stands up. This explains its tone.
Certain periods of life can be the cause of a relaxed perineum : this is the case of pregnancy, childbirth, menopause...
Specific situations can also lead to the relaxation of the Perineum in Women : the intense practice of impact sports, the carrying of heavy loads or even smoking.
What are the consequences of a loose female perineum?
A relaxed perineum can have an impact on the quality of life :
- Urinary leakage, for 1 in 3 women !
- A decrease in sensations during sexual intercourse
A necessity: strengthen the female perineum to guarantee its tone.
Source : www.urologie-sante.fr/base-bibliographique/pour-43-des-francais-lincontinence-est-un-sujet-tabou