You’ve probably read that it’s a good idea to practice Kegels to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. If you’re wondering why that’s important, though, here’s the deal: Most women (and some guys, too) can benefit from Kegels to have better sex (yep!) and help with urinary incontinence—which is often an issue for ladies who’ve recently given birth. Curious to know more? Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits and exactly how to perform a Kegel step by step.
What Is the Kegel Exercise?
Your pelvic floor muscles (the ones that relax to allow you to pee and control the stream of your urine) can weaken and stretch out for a number of reasons, including pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging or even from excessive straining from constipation or coughing. They can even weaken if you are overweight. Kegels, quick contractions of those pelvic floor muscles, can help tighten that region back up. “Kegels are exercises recommended to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles,” explains Dr. Carolyn Delucia, the head gynecologist at VSPOT Medi-spa. “They were developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel, a gynecologist, in 1948 to help women strengthen their pelvic floor after childbirth and to help maintain or regain urinary continence,” she adds.
Benefits of Kegel Exercises
The main benefits of Kegels are to improve and maintain bowel and bladder functions, according to the National Association for Continence. For someone experiencing bladder leakage, regularly practicing Kegels can mean not having to rely on wearing panty liners and longer time in between trips to the restroom. It’s generally considered safe to practice Kegels during and following pregnancy. Read more
