Female Perineum

• Is made up of the vulva (external genitalia), including the mons pubis, prepuce, clitoris, urethral and vaginal orifices, and labia majora and minora
• The skin of the vaginal orifice is normally moist
• The secretion has a slight odor due to the cells and normal vaginal florae
• The clitoris consists of erectile tissues and many nerves fibers. It is very sensitive to touch.

Care
• Convenient for a woman to be on a bed pan to clean and rinse the vulva and perineum
• Secretion collects on the inner surface of the labia
• Use on hand to gently retract the labia
• Use a separate section of wash cloth for each wipe in a downward motion (from urethra to back perineum)
• Then clean the rectal area

Note
• Following genital or rectal surgery, sterile supplies may be required for cleaning the operative site, E.g. Sterile cotton balls
• The operative site and perineal area may be washed with an antiseptic solution – apply by squirting them on the perineum from a squeeze bottle