Perineum

The perineum is the small area of skin between the genitals and the anus. Everyone has one, regardless of gender. It's sometimes called the "taint" or "gooch" in slang. It doesn't get talked about much, but it's sensitive to touch and is relevant to both anatomy and sexual pleasure.

• The perineum is the patch of skin between the genitals and the anus.
• In people with a vulva, it's between the vaginal opening and the anus.
• In people with a penis, it's between the base of the scrotum and the anus.
• It has a lot of nerve endings, making it an erogenous zone for many people.
• It can tear during childbirth, which is why it comes up in pregnancy and birth discussions.

Why it matters

The perineum is sensitive because it has a relatively high concentration of nerve endings and, in people with a penis, the internal part of the penile tissue and the prostate sit just behind it. Pressing or massaging the perineum can feel pleasurable for some people during sexual activity — it's one of those areas people might discover feels good without necessarily knowing what it's called.

In people with a vulva, the perineum sits between two very sensitive areas (the vaginal opening and the anus), so it can be stimulated during various types of sexual contact.

The childbirth connection

The perineum comes up a lot in conversations about pregnancy and birth because it's the area that stretches — and sometimes tears — during vaginal delivery. Perineal tears during birth are common and range from minor (healing on their own) to more significant (needing stitches). Some healthcare providers perform an episiotomy — a small deliberate cut in the perineum — to make more room during delivery, though this is less routine than it used to be. [CHECK: current NHS guidance on episiotomy]

Perineal massage during late pregnancy is sometimes recommended to help prepare the tissue and reduce the risk of tearing.

Things people ask about the perineum

Is it normal for the perineum to be sensitive?

Yes. It has lots of nerve endings. Some people find touch there pleasurable, others find it ticklish or uncomfortable. Both reactions are normal.

Why is it called the "taint"?

It's slang — supposedly because it "tain't one thing and tain't the other" (it's neither the genitals nor the anus). It's informal, not a term you'd hear from a doctor.

Can the perineum be an erogenous zone?

For many people, yes. Gentle pressure or massage on the perineum during sexual activity can feel good. In people with a penis, pressing on the perineum can indirectly stimulate the prostate, which some people find pleasurable.

The perineum is a small area of skin between your private parts and your bum. Everyone has one, boys and girls.

It doesn't get talked about much, but it has a lot of nerve endings, which means it's quite sensitive to touch. Some people find touch there feels nice during sexual activity. Others find it ticklish or don't feel much. All of that is normal.

The perineum also comes up in conversations about childbirth, because it's the area that stretches when a baby is born. Sometimes it tears during birth, which is common and usually heals well.

In slang, it's sometimes called the "taint" or "gooch." These aren't medical words, but you might hear them.