No one cares when it works well and yet ...

"We often hear about the perineum during pregnancy for the first time," says Sonia Petrau-Gay, a physiotherapist at the Thalassotherapy center in Carnac, which is unfortunate because this organ is our pelvic floor and plays a fundamental role in maintaining viscera: bladder, uterus, intestine ... "

The perineum, a fragile organ

The perineum is indeed a kind of hammock that extends from the pubis to the base of the spine, at the coccyx.

Men also have one, but they do not usually worry about them.

In women, it is much more vulnerable because it is pierced by three successive orifices: the urethra, the vagina and the anus. It is also under considerable pressure in the pregnant woman and during childbirth, especially if the diameter of the baby's skull exceeds 35 cm.

An unsuitable way of life can also weaken it from an early age and cause a lot of inconvenience.

Perineum released: multiple causes

The perineum is permanently solicited in everyday life. Running, jumping, sneezing, laughing or going to the saddle generates pressure variations in the abdominal cavity that have repercussions on the perineum.

If the muscles that constitute it are not sufficiently resistant, they weaken little by little and lose their capacities of maintenance.

Excess weight, repeated coughing fits due to smoking, asthma or gastroesophageal reflux can also traumatize it in the long run.

"Trades that involve the frequent carrying of heavy loads and the abusive practice of certain sports, such as trampoline, jogging or horse riding, also badly affect the perineum," says Professor François Haab, urologist surgeon.

Urinary leakage, descent of organs ... unfortunate consequences

When the perineum no longer performs its function perfectly, the closing of the sphincters is disturbed. Suddenly, urinary leakage can occur.

Thus, nearly 9 million women suffer from mild (stress) or severe (urge) urinary incontinence. And if the menopause is a particularly risky period, because of the drop in hormonal impregnation which weakens especially the ligaments, the under 30 years are not so far safe.

A very weakened perineum can also induce a descent of organs (or prolapse): bladder, uterus or rectum then make a straight projection through the opening of the vagina or anus. A phenomenon less rare than it seems: nearly 40,000 women are operated on by prolapse each year in France.

Better to pay attention to his perineum and muscle well before the appearance of the first signs of weakness. Sexuality will only be more fulfilled because a toned perineum is the guarantee of more satisfactory relationships. The sensations are immediately amplified and pleasure increased tenfold for both partners.

* According to a survey TNS Sofres