Where is your perineum?: A Detailed Anatomical Guide

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

The perineum is a small yet remarkably important area of the human body, playing a key role in continence, sexual function, and childbirth. This guide will provide a detailed look at where is your perineum, breaking down its precise location, anatomical boundaries, and significant functions for both males and females.

Quick Summary

The perineum is the region of skin and muscle situated between the genitals and the anus, forming the base of the pelvis. Its exact boundaries and structures differ slightly between male and female anatomy, but it is a diamond-shaped area located between the thighs that supports the pelvic floor.

Key Points

Location: The perineum is the diamond-shaped area of skin and muscle located between the genitals and the anus, forming the base of the pelvis.
Anatomical Triangles: It is divided into an anterior urogenital triangle and a posterior anal triangle by an imaginary line between the sitz bones.
Male vs. Female Differences: In males, it is between the scrotum and anus; in females, it is between the vulva and anus.
Pelvic Floor Support: The perineum contains a crucial central tendon, the perineal body, which anchors and stabilizes the pelvic floor muscles.
Diverse Functions: It supports bladder and bowel control, contributes to sexual function, and stretches during childbirth.
Common Issues: Health concerns can include pain from childbirth tears, pelvic floor dysfunction, infections like prostatitis, and nerve entrapment.

Defining the Boundaries of the Perineum

At its most basic level, the perineum is the area found between the anus and the genitals. However, a more detailed anatomical definition reveals a diamond-shaped region at the outlet of the pelvis. This diamond is bordered by the pubic arch and pubic symphysis at the front, the coccyx (tailbone) at the back, and the ischial tuberosities (sitz bones) on the sides.

An imaginary line connecting the two ischial tuberosities divides the perineum into two triangular sections:

The Urogenital Triangle (Anterior): This front triangle contains the external genitalia and urethra. In males, this includes the scrotum and base of the penis, while in females, it contains the vulva.
The Anal Triangle (Posterior): This rear triangle contains the anus and the external anal sphincter muscle.

Male Perineum vs. Female Perineum

While the basic diamond shape and the two-triangle division are consistent, the specific structures within the perineum differ between males and females.

Male Perineum: The visible skin is located between the scrotum and the anus. Internally, it includes the bulb of the penis, bulbourethral glands, and parts of the pelvic floor muscles.
Female Perineum: The skin is positioned between the vaginal opening (vulva) and the anus. The region includes the posterior parts of the vulva, the vaginal orifice, and the perineal body, a central tendinous structure.

The Perineal Body: A Central Anchor Point

Found at the center of the perineum where the urogenital and anal triangles meet, the perineal body is a critical, pyramidal mass of fibromuscular tissue. This structure acts as a central tendon, providing an important anchor point for several key muscles that support the pelvic floor and maintain continence.

Its function: The perineal body helps to maintain the integrity and stability of the pelvic floor, particularly in females. Damage to this area, often during childbirth, can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Associated muscles: Muscles that attach to the perineal body include the external anal sphincter, bulbospongiosus, and transverse perineal muscles.

Function and Importance of the Perineum

The perineum is far more than just a patch of skin; it is a vital part of the body's functional anatomy. Its functions include:

Support: It forms the bottom of the pelvic cavity and helps support the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.
Continence: The muscles and nerves within the perineum and pelvic floor are essential for controlling urination and defecation.
Sexual Response: As an erogenous zone with numerous nerve endings, the perineum plays a role in sexual arousal.
Childbirth: In females, the perineum stretches significantly during vaginal delivery. Perineal tears or episiotomies are common during childbirth.

Comparison of Perineal Structures: Male vs. Female


Feature	Male Perineum	Female Perineum
Visible Area	Skin between the scrotum and the anus	Skin between the vulva (vaginal opening) and the anus
Erectile Tissue	Contains the bulb of the penis	Contains the bulbs of the vestibule and the clitoris
Perineal Body Location	Between the bulb of the penis and the anus	Between the vaginal opening and the anus
Urethra Passage	Urethra runs through the corpus spongiosum and is longer	Urethra is shorter and embedded in the urogenital triangle
Key Functions	Supports pelvic floor, aids ejaculation, helps with continence	Supports pelvic floor, assists in childbirth, helps with continence and sexual function

Common Perineal Health Issues and Care

Due to its location and function, the perineum can be susceptible to various health issues. Proper care is essential, especially after trauma or childbirth.

Perineal Tears: Common during vaginal childbirth, these can range from minor skin tears to more extensive muscle involvement.
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate in males can cause perineal pain.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weak or overly tight pelvic floor muscles can lead to pain, incontinence, and other issues in both sexes.
Pudendal Neuralgia: A condition involving irritation of the pudendal nerve, which runs through the perineum, can cause chronic pain.
Perineal Cysts and Abscesses: Infections can occur in the glands and tissues of the perineum.

Caring for your perineum, particularly postpartum, is crucial. Strategies like regular sitz baths, using cold compresses, and practicing good hygiene are highly effective. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can help strengthen the surrounding muscles to improve continence and support. For any persistent pain or concerns, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. You can find more comprehensive information on proper perineal wound care and healing from authoritative sources like Kaiser Permanente's patient health guides.

Conclusion

Understanding where is your perineum provides valuable insight into a crucial part of your anatomy. This diamond-shaped region, with its urogenital and anal triangles, serves as a cornerstone for pelvic floor health, supporting vital bodily functions and playing a significant role in sexual wellness. Whether for postpartum recovery, addressing pelvic floor issues, or simply having a better understanding of your body, recognizing the location and importance of the perineum is essential for overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

The perineum provides support for the pelvic floor muscles, which control bladder and bowel function. It also contributes to sexual arousal and stretches during childbirth in females.

Yes, while both have a perineum, its specific structures differ. In males, it is located between the scrotum and anus, while in females, it is between the vaginal opening and anus.

The perineal body is a central fibromuscular mass in the middle of the perineum. It acts as a critical anchor point for several pelvic floor muscles and helps maintain pelvic integrity.

Pain after childbirth is common due to stretching, tearing, or a surgical incision (episiotomy) in the perineum. The pain can last for several weeks and is part of the healing process.

Kegel exercises involve squeezing and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which are located in the perineal region. Strengthening these muscles can improve bladder control, sexual health, and support the pelvic organs.

Yes, prolonged cycling or sitting on a hard surface can put pressure on the perineum, potentially causing nerve irritation (pudendal neuralgia) and muscle soreness or tightness.

Postpartum care often includes applying cold compresses, taking sitz baths with warm water, rinsing the area with a peri-bottle after using the toilet, and taking stool softeners to prevent straining during bowel movements.