Sexuality is a subject not to be overlooked in pelvic floor rehabilitation. On one hand, sexual intercourse works the pelvic floor; on the other, a toned pelvic floor has a positive influence on sex life. The better the blood supply to the muscles, the stronger the sensations. The vagina tightens and releases in rhythm with the contractions and releases of the pelvic floor, which can heighten sensation for both partners. And if you experience pain during intercourse, body-awareness exercises for the pelvic floor can also help release it deliberately: an overly tight pelvic floor is one possible cause of pain.

Dr Sylvain Mimoun, a specialist in gynaecology, andrology and sexual disorders, agreed to answer our questions about the pelvic floor and sexuality. The pelvic floor is often associated with pregnancy or menopause, but rarely with sexuality. Yet it is a subject that can hold pleasant discoveries for both partners.

Couple in bed, illustrating the link between the pelvic floor and sexuality

We would like to thank Dr Mimoun for agreeing to answer our questions.

Interview with Dr Mimoun, gynaecologist and specialist in sexual disorders

Doctor, does pelvic floor rehabilitation lead to a more fulfilling sex life?

The aim of pelvic floor rehabilitation is not so much learning to contract well — it is above all learning to release well! If a woman manages to release, she has more sexual sensation, and that is why it matters to work the pelvic floor regularly.

Does the key to pleasure lie in the pelvic floor?

It is not the only key to pleasure, but it is one of the keys to pleasure, that much is certain. Since pleasure is concentrated in the area of the clitoris, if a woman knows how to play with her pelvic floor properly, it can allow her a great deal of pleasure.

Can the pelvic floor lead to orgasm?

If you have a toned pelvic floor and are not "blocked", orgasm can of course come more easily. On the other hand, is that enough for an orgasm to occur through pelvic floor contractions alone? The answer is no. But in any case, a woman who knows how to play with her pelvic floor will play far more with her sexuality.

Relaxed woman, evoking the link between pelvic floor tone and sexual pleasure

Conversely, does orgasm help strengthen the pelvic floor?

Having an orgasm helps with motivation, and that motivation can help in working the pelvic floor. That is the order in which things happen.

Why did you choose to support Emy?

I find that Emy is a good intermediary between the patient, myself and possibly the colleagues working in this field, whether midwives or physiotherapists.

If you could sum up Emy in 3 words?

It is a simple means, which a woman can use on her own and which can be of great service to her.

Test programme for healthcare professionals

Do you also work with women who want to improve their sex life? Take part now in our free test programme for therapists.

Sources

  • Pelvic floor muscle training for sexual dysfunction: a systematic review, Marta Nunes Marques, Ana Jéssica Pinto, Patrícia Driusso, March 2024, International Urogynecology Journal 35(5):941-953 – link
  • An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) / International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction, Bernard T Haylen, Dirk de Ridder, Robert M Freeman, Steven E Swift, Bary Berghmans, Joseph Lee, Ash Monga, Eckhard Petri, Diaa E Rizk, Peter K Sand, Gabriel N Schaer, January 2010, International Urogynecology Journal 21(1):5-26 – link
  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation Using Biofeedback, Diane Kaschak Newman, July 2014, Urologic Nursing 34(4):193-202 – link

Frequently asked questions

Faut-il apprendre à contracter ou à relâcher son périnée ?

Les deux, mais le relâchement est souvent le parent pauvre de la rééducation. Comme l'explique le Dr Mimoun, c'est la capacité à relâcher qui conditionne les sensations. Un périnée en permanence contracté — ce que l'on appelle une hypertonie — peut provoquer des douleurs pendant les rapports. Un bilan auprès d'une sage-femme ou d'un·e kinésithérapeute permet de savoir lequel des deux travailler en priorité.

Des douleurs pendant les rapports peuvent-elles venir du périnée ?

Oui, c'est l'une des causes possibles. Un périnée trop contracté réduit la souplesse des tissus et peut rendre la pénétration douloureuse. Mais les douleurs pendant les rapports ont de nombreuses origines — sécheresse, endométriose, infection, suites d'accouchement — et seul un examen permet de les distinguer. Une douleur persistante ou répétée justifie toujours une consultation, elle n'est jamais à banaliser.
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