Find out where the perineum is located in men and the importance of its role.

Where is the male perineum located?

The perineum, often less discussed in the context of men's health than women's health, plays a crucial role in men's physical and functional well-being.

Knowing more about this region can help to better understand male anatomy and the importance of associated care and exercise.

What is the perineum?

The perineum, also known as the “pelvic floor”, is a diamond-shaped region located between the anus and the scrotum in men.

It comprises several muscles, tendons and fascias that provide essential support for the pelvic organs, including the bladder, bowel and prostate.

This region is bounded by the pubis in front, the coccyx in back, and the ischium bones on either side.

1. Anatomical location of the male perineum

The structure of the perineum is divided into two parts:

1) The urogenital triangle: located at the front, it contains key muscles for erectile function and micturition.

2) The anal triangle: located at the back, it surrounds the anus and contains muscles involved in bowel control and continence.

2. Functions of the male perineum

The perineum plays a role in several essential bodily functions:

- Urinary function: It helps support the bladder and controls micturition, thanks in particular to the external urethral sphincter.

- Sexual function: The perineum supports the base of the penis and helps maintain an erection.

- Continence function: The perineum muscles control bowel movements, making this muscle group crucial to continence.

3. Disorders associated with the male perineum

As with women, the male perineum can be subject to a variety of disorders, including pain, muscle weakness, and even urinary or fecal continence problems. Here are the main problems encountered:

- Chronic pelvic pain: Often, muscular tension or spasm in the perineum is responsible for chronic pain. Although often overlooked, this problem affects quality of life, and care such as pelvic physiotherapy may be necessary to alleviate this condition.

- Urinary incontinence: Weakening of the perineum, sometimes caused by surgery (such as a prostatectomy), can lead to urine leakage. This condition is particularly common in older men or after prostate cancer treatment.

- Erectile dysfunction: Although several factors can cause this type of dysfunction, weakened perineal muscles can reduce the support provided to the penis, leading to difficulties in maintaining an erection.

4. Perineal rehabilitation for men: an important health issue

Perineal rehabilitation is often associated with women, but it's equally crucial for men. These exercises, adapted and guided by a specialist, aim to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

- Kegel exercises: as with women, Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles of the perineum. This can improve urinary function and help to better control the muscles involved in erection and ejaculation.

- Breathing and relaxation techniques: Learning to relax the perineal muscles is essential for reducing muscle tension and easing pain. Diaphragmatic breathing is often recommended to release pelvic tension.

Perineal reeducation for men is thus a means of preventing and treating various disorders, while contributing to greater physical and mental comfort.

Why take care of your perineum?

Men can also suffer from weakness of the perineum, often caused by intense effort, aging, or surgical interventions (such as prostatectomy).

A weakened perineum can lead to continence problems, pelvic pain and reduced quality of life. Perineal re-education exercises can help strengthen this area to preserve its vital functions.

In France, perineal reeducation is part of the recommended postnatal care following childbirth. These sessions enable women to relearn how to contract and relax their perineal muscles effectively, thereby improving their quality of life. Under certain conditions, this re-education is even reimbursed by social security.

Click here to find out what these conditions are.

You may also find answers in our article : Is the perineal probe reimbursed by Social Security?

That's why special attention, particularly through perineal rehabilitation, is vital to maintaining a healthy perineum.

By better understanding where and how this region functions, women can take care of their perineal health and anticipate any need for care or re-education.

Ask your doctor for more information.