Muscling your perineum is essential to prevent bladder weakness, pain and improve your intimate well-being.

But who to consult? Physiotherapist, midwife, osteopath... Discover the specialists who can help you!

Where to go to strengthen the perineum?

The perineum, the forgotten part of the human body! 

Yet it plays a key role in continence, organ maintenance and even intimacy. 

If you're experiencing perineal weakness - bladder weakness, pain, a feeling of heaviness - it's time to take action. 

But who should you consult to strengthen this little-known area? Let's take a look at the experts who can help.

Before you start reading this article, we recommend that you know what the perineum is. To do so, don't panic, read our article: What is the pelvic area? to understand this article in its entirety.

Why perineum training is essential

Think of your perineum as the floor of a house. If it's solid, everything stays in place. But if it sags, hello damage: organ descent, leakage, discomfort... 

Fortunately, like any muscle, it can be worked and strengthened with the right exercises and the right specialists.

Who should I contact for perineal rehabilitation?

1) The general practitioner or gynaecologist/urologist: the first step

Before rushing headlong into exercises, medical advice is essential. Your general practitioner or specialist (gynecologist, urologist, proctologist) can :

⇨ Assess the tone of your perineum

⇨ Check for associated disorders (prolapse, incontinence, pain)

⇨ Direct you to the right professional for appropriate rehabilitation.

☺︎ Good to know: Perineal rehabilitation is often prescribed after childbirth or surgery, but it's useful at all ages and for all sexes!

2) The specialized physiotherapist: the muscle-strengthening expert

A physiotherapist trained in perineal rehabilitation will guide you through specific exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. Depending on your situation, he or she may use :

⇨ Perineal contraction exercises (Kegel method, biofeedback)

⇨ Electrostimulation to activate muscles at a deeper level

⇨ Postural work to limit excessive pressure on the perineum

☼ Its role? To teach you how to contract your perineum effectively and avoid mistakes that prevent progress.

3) The midwife: a valuable post-delivery ally

If you're a young mother, she's often the one who'll take care of you after the birth. 

Re-education sessions with a midwife can help you regain a toned, functional perineum thanks to gentle, progressive exercises.

☺︎ Good to know: Even several years after childbirth, it's never too late to work on your perineum!

4) The osteopath: for a holistic approach

A perineum that's too weak... or too contracted? Yes, a perineum can be hypertonic and cause pain. An osteopath can work on :

⇨ Pelvic relaxation and mobility

⇨ Muscular tensions that block proper contraction of the perineum

⇨ Overall body balance to avoid overloading the perineal area.

✅ Ideal as a complement to physiotherapy or midwifery!

Can you strengthen your perineum on your own?

Yes, but beware of mistakes! Here are a few ways to work on your perineum on your own:

✓ Kegel exercises: practice several times a day to maintain tone.

✓ Abdominal breathing exercises: to avoid pushing too hard on the perineum

✓ The use of connected probes: for guided training at home

‼ But be careful ‼ Some exercises can be counterproductive if performed incorrectly. An assessment by a professional remains the best option before taking the plunge.

Our opinion on the subject?

The perineum deserves all our attention, and yet we don't talk about it enough! 

Many people wait until they have troublesome symptoms before consulting a specialist, whereas preventive work can save a lot of trouble. 

Whether you're a young parent, an athlete or an older person, taking care of your perineum is an investment in your quality of life.

So, ready to take action? The next time you contract your perineum while reading an article like this (yes, we know!), consider consulting a specialist to go further!

Your perineum is weakened and you don't know which rehabilitation to start? Then read our article: What is the best way to rehabilitate the perineum? Find out more about perineal rehabilitation.