One of the first choicesWhat to do in case of urinary incontinence, is to take an interest in your perineum. What is perineal rehabilitation for men? How does the perineum work? What exercises should you do to tone it? The perineum is a veritable emergency hammock for all the organs located in the abdomen, and should not be neglected.

In men, as in women, the perineum belongs to a muscular area called the pelvic floor, located at the base of the pelvis between the genitals and the anus. In particular, it allows the proper functioning of the various sphincters that ensure urinary and faecal continence. In addition, the perineum supports all the pelvic organs: bladder, urethra, rectum, internal reproductive organs such as the prostate in humans...

The perineum also plays a central role in sexual function during erection and ejaculation.

The proper functioning of the perineum is therefore essential to remain healthy and independent. Unfortunately, whether due to age or a particular pathology, the perineum can lose its tone.

In women, childbirth is often the cause of weakened pelvic floor muscles. This requires systematic post-natal perineal rehabilitation.

In men, it can also be due to age-related muscle weakness, but not only that. A dysfunction of the perineum can be due to many causes:

Surgery on the prostate, which may result in damage to the surrounding muscles and nerves;

Chronic constipation, due to flare-ups;

Intensive sports activities, such as cycling, which can lead to perineal injuries due to repeated friction;

Overweight, fatiguing the whole body and forcing the genitourinary muscle area to bear more weight.

Poor functioning of the perineum most often leads to involuntary and uncontrolled urination problems. Perineal re-education for men should therefore be considered.

As a preventive measure to avoid the inconveniences associated with age, or as part of a appropriate treatmentPerineal re-education for men is a solution that can help reduce urine leakage.

This is a method of physiotherapy which consists of optimising the functioning of the pelvic muscles by stimulating them through various "contraction-relaxation" exercises.

The patient is accompanied by a specialised physiotherapist over several sessions in the practice. After assessing the patient's needs, the physiotherapist can also provide additional exercises to be done at home on a daily basis, so that the result is as effective as possible.

The first step is to recognise and feel the location of the perineum. To do this, simply :

• alternately simulate different urges (urge to urinate, urge to have a bowel movement)
• and to contract for a few seconds the area of continence that allows you to hold back.

Thus, a better knowledge of this intimate area also allows for the adoption of good reflexes and a better understanding of the environment. appropriate lifestyle. Taking care of it helps to maintain or regain good support of the perineal area and to improve its erectile function.

Perineal rehabilitation can be prescribed as a first-line treatment for male incontinence. But it can also be prescribed as a complement to a medicinal treatment or as an accompaniment to a palliative solution such as the use of a penile clamp.

Regaining control over bladder weakness also allows the patient to regain self-confidence, social life and a fulfilling sex life.

Named after their inventor, Kegel exercises are one of the most widely used forms of perineal rehabilitation for men. They are designed to strengthen the pubococcygeal muscle by contracting and relaxing the muscles that make up the pelvic floor, and require no equipment.

Other types of exercises can be included in a rehabilitation programme, including electro-stimulation exercises.

Once you have become aware of your perineum, here are two examples of very simple exercises to do on a daily basis:

• Exercise 1

Lie on your back;

Bend your legs, keeping your feet flat on the ground and making sure your back is flat as well;

Contract the perineum as if holding urine for 5 seconds, then release for 10 seconds;

Repeat (series of 10 repetitions).

It is very important not to contract the other parts of the body (buttocks, thighs, abdominal muscles), in order to mobilise only on the perineum.

• Exercise 2

Lie on your back, legs bent, feet on the floor;

Take a breath ;

Contract the perineum by blowing slowly;

Then squeeze the buttocks and thighs, and lift the pelvis off the ground to rise in a half-bridge while blowing for 10 seconds;

Descend by rolling the spine gently.

Knowing your perineum and how it works also allows you to be aware of the the demands placed on it on a daily basis It's essential to adopt the right reflexes to protect your perineum, and to strengthen it like any other muscle in the human body. Perineal re-education for men helps prevent the discomfort associated with wear and tear.