Perineal massage: what it is for and when to do it?

"Massaging the perineum after childbirth," explains Dr. Paganotti, "promotes the recovery of tissue tone, facilitating the return to satisfactory sexual activity. A toned perineum, in fact, ensures adequate vaginal comfort with better couple relationship.

In the postpartum period, it is advisable to perform it for a couple of months, only after any lacerations have completely healed. 

Massaging the perineum in menopause, on the other hand, facilitates hydration and prevents loss of tissue trophism, typical of hormone deficiency in this phase of life. A trophic perineum limits problems of vaginal dryness and pain during sexual intercourse by improving vaginal comfort overall.

In menopause, it is done for 2-3 months, best repeated cyclically 2-3 times a year." 

It is best to perform a perineum massage at night before bedtime for 5 minutes, 2-3 times a week. It is a treatment that requires a quiet environment, and it is important to assume a comfortable position (semi-sitting, squatting or standing with one foot on a chair), preferably in front of a mirror to visualize the area to be massaged. 

After washing your hands, you should lubricate your fingers to facilitate movement with:

• sweet almond oil;
• St. John's Wort oil (emollient and soothing);
• cream based on hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. 

Initially, a grazing of the labia minora and labia majora is performed with the thumb with the aim of taking perception of the part and removing any tissue tension. Then, with the thumb in the vagina, a gentle semicircular movement is performed, along the vaginal opening, from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock and vice versa.

"The purpose," the specialist concludes," is to: 

• relax peri-vaginal connective and muscular tissues;
• increase blood circulation;
• stimulate superficial nerve endings in the perineum. 

Finally, while implementing the movement, constant pressure is applied from the inside down to compress the tissues against a resistant plane. 

Perineal massage can present difficulties, but these will be overcome in time. The main thing is to concentrate: massaging allows you to get to know your muscles so that you can better control their action during sexual intercourse."