How can you tell if your perineum is weak?

Discover the warning signs, how to make a reliable diagnosis and solutions to strengthen your pelvic floor.

How can I tell if my perineum is weak?

An intimate subject... but an essential one

We don't talk about it enough, but a weakened perineum can have a far greater impact on your daily life than you might think. Bladder weakness? Feeling of heaviness? Lack of tone during exercise? These are just some of the signs that deserve a closer look.

But in concrete terms, how can you tell whether your perineum is in shape or not? And above all, what can you do to check it and take action?

The first warning signs

A perineum that lacks tone is not always obvious. However, there are a number of signs that can tip you off:

- Light urine leakage when coughing, sneezing or laughing.

- A more frequent than normal urge to urinate.

- A feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, especially at the end of the day.

- Pain or loss of sensation during sexual intercourse.

- A feeling of “sinking” or pelvic weakness.

Do you recognize yourself in these signs? Don't worry: you're not alone, and it doesn't have to be this way!

Why does it happen?

The perineum is like your body's hammock: it supports your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum). If this hammock becomes slack, it struggles to play its supporting and locking role.

Pregnancy, childbirth, high-impact sports, menopause, chronic constipation, carrying heavy loads... many factors can weaken your pelvic floor.

And sometimes, quite simply, the passage of time.

How do you check the state of your perineum?

? First step: consult a pro.

Before doing anything, talk to a professional: midwife, specialized physiotherapist or doctor. Only they will be able to make a reliable diagnosis: manual examination, contraction tests, even ultrasound if necessary.

? Homemade tip: Some simple exercises can give a first idea. Try contracting your perineum by imagining holding back gas or stopping a stream of urine. Is it easy? Difficult? This test is not enough to make a diagnosis, but it can give a first indication of tone.

Our opinion at SUGAR

At SUGAR, we believe that the perineum should never be a taboo subject. If you have any doubts, it's best to consult us. A perineum that's too weak, or even too toned, can lead to pain or disorders.

We also think it's important not to do anything on your own. Before embarking on home exercises or buying a probe, a precise diagnosis is essential.

Some essential advice

✅ Always start with a medical check-up with a specialist (midwife, specialized physiotherapist).

✅ Adapt your exercises to your situation: weakened perineum, too toned, prolapse, incontinence... each case is unique.

✅ Prefer face-to-face reeducation, at least at the beginning, to learn the gestures properly.

✅ Check medical coverage: some sessions are reimbursed.

✅ Think prevention! Strengthen your perineum early: young mothers, sportswomen, women before the menopause... prevention is better than suffering.

What about afterwards?

If necessary, tools such as biofeedback or electrostimulation probes can accompany your re-education. But always on prescription and with the advice of a pro!