Kegel exercise
|
|
A Kegel exercise, named after Dr Arnold Kegel, is one designed to exercise the pubococcygeal muscles, sometimes called the "Kegel muscles" in reference to the exercise. The aim is to restore muscle tone and strength to these muscles, thus preventing or reducing pelvic floor problems. Kegels are said to be good for helping prevent urinary incontinence (men and women) and vaginal prolapse (women). Kegel exercise is also known as pelvic floor exercise.
Life's events, especially pregnancy, childbirth, and being overweight can weaken pelvic muscles. Luckily, when these muscles get weak, you can help make them strong again. Kegel exercise can also increase sexual pleasure for females and their partners. To isolate and identify the muscles involved, practice stopping the flow of urine while urinating. Once you have identified the muscles involved, you can later exercise them at your leisure by consciously contracting them.
See also
External links
- NIDDK public domain guide to pelvic muscle exercises (http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/exercise_ez/index.htm)
- Kegel Exercises - article on Sex Talk with Sue Johanson (http://www.talksexwithsue.com/kegel.html)