What is the role of the perineum?

The perineum, or pelvic floor, is located around the anus and genitals. It is mainly made up of muscles that hold the organs in the abdomen and the external genitalia in women. Knowing that the organs located in the abdomen exert different pressures depending on whether they are filling or emptying, the role of the perineum is to exert sufficient resistance pressure to maintain a permanent balance. It therefore also plays an essential role in continence since it is this which enables the bladder to be closed or opened.

When can the pelvic floor relax?

Women are at least twice as likely to suffer from urinary incontinence than men, and for good reason, their perineum is more fragile because of its opening on the vagina: during childbirth, it tends to weaken, and many women experience bladder leakage after childbirth. Pregnancy is also a risk factor in itself because of the baby’s weight.

The perineum of men can be weakened by prostate surgeries, in particular prostatectomy (= partial or total removal of the prostate).

Generally speaking, being overweight weakens the perineum because it puts constant pressure on the bladder and the muscles of the perineum. Older people are also at risk of gradually becoming incontinent due to the natural weakening of the muscles in their perineum. Smoking causes a chronic cough which can also cause or worsen urinary incontinence problems, with repeated coughs putting pressure on the abdominal area. Likewise, people with constipation problems are more likely to weaken their perineum.