Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Related to Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Perineal Care for the Woman
Treatments for Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
What is the perineum?
A woman's perineal region includes the area of tissue between the vagina and anus. More commonly however, and for our purposes here, the term perineum is broadly used to include all structures from the pubic area to the anus.

The female perineal region includes the vagina,
the anus (rectum) and the area around these
openings. Care involves cleaning the vagina
and anal openings separately.
A good rule is to wipe from front to back.
Never wipe forward.
Always clean away from the vagina.
Always wash hands
before and after perineal care

The first line of defense to prevent infection comes with the proper use of toilet tissue. The outside openings between the bladder and the rectum are only two or three inches apart. You should take extra care to avoid spreading germs from the rectum to the bladder and vagina.

How do I clean my perineum?
Rinse your perineum with water or peri-solution after you use the toilet and before you put on a new peri-pad or other incontinence product. Use a peri-bottle (hand-held squirt bottle) to rinse your perineum. Squirting warm tap water or peri-solution on your perineum will keep it clean.

1.  Wash your hands.
2.  Fill a peri bottle with warm tap water or peri solution.
3.  Remove the soiled peri-pad starting at the front (vaginal area) to the back (anus).
4.  While you are sitting on the toilet, rinse your perineum.
5.  Position the nozzle of the peri bottle at your perineum and spray so the water moves from front to back.
6.  Pat the area dry with toilet paper or cotton wipes starting at the front and moving to the back.
7.  Put on a fresh peri-pad. Apply the peri-pad from front to back by placing the front part of the peri-pad against the perineum first. Do not touch the inner surface of the peri-pad. Or use an adult diaper or protective underwear if your incontinence is heavy.
8.  Wash your hands after doing perineal care.
Keeping gentle wipes in your bathroom is a good idea. Use them to cleanse your peri area to help you feel fresh and clean.
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