The perineum is one of the parts of the urinary and reproductive system for men and women, so where is this area located in the body? And what is its process? And how can it be done?

What is the perineum?

The perineum is located between the scrotum and anus in men, and between the vagina and anus in women, and is called the Perineum.

This area is one of the areas of sexual excitement; This is because it is an area rich in nerves, and the area contains less hair than the rest of the genitals, and this area may be cut in females during childbirth.

The area is made up of the tissues and muscles that support the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor supports organs such as the intestines and bladder, and plays a major role in helping control urine and bowel movements.

perineal function

The perineum is bridge-like in shape and supports the muscles and functions of the reproductive, urinary and digestive systems. If the tissues, nerves or muscles that make up this bridge are damaged, it can cause problems in these systems.

Episiotomy

Sometimes during natural childbirth, the doctor may need to make an incision in the perineum, which is also called an episiotomy, and this process makes the vaginal opening a little wider; To allow the baby to pass through the vagina more easily.

One reason for this procedure is that sometimes a woman’s perineum may tear when her baby is delivered, so in some births an episiotomy may help prevent a severe tear or help speed up labor if the baby needs to be delivered quickly.

Some health care institutes recommend this procedure in the following cases:

• if the baby has fetal distress, a condition in which the baby’s heart rate is irregular (faster or slower) before birth; So he needs to be born quickly.
• widening of the vagina so that tools, such as forceps, can be used; To assist in childbirth in cases that last several hours.
• There is a risk of anal rupture.

How is an episiotomy performed?

The procedure is usually simple, and a local anesthetic is used. To numb the area around the vagina so that you don’t feel any pain.

Whenever possible, the doctor makes a small diagonal cut from the back of the vagina, directed down and out to one side, and then sews the wound together with dissolvable postpartum stitches.

Recovering from an episiotomy

Episiotomy wounds usually close within an hour of birth. Although the wound may bleed a lot at first, pressure and stitches should stop the bleeding, and the stitches should mostly heal within one month of birth.

So, to avoid pain during this period, you can do the following:

• take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; To relieve pain, but you should consult a doctor first.
• Apply an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel to the wound.
• Exposing the stitches to fresh air may help the healing process, and sitting without underwear and lying on a towel on the bed for 10 minutes once or twice a day may also help the healing process.
• Drying the wound area well; To avoid any infections that may occur to him.
• use of ointments prescribed by the doctor; To help speed wound healing.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.