Kegel exercises, named after Dr. Arnold Kegel who first popularized them in the 1940s, involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Both men and women can benefit from Kegels. Here are the top ten reasons why you should start doing these beneficial exercises.
- Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
The primary purpose of Kegel exercises is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and in women, the uterus. Regular Kegels can make these muscles stronger and more flexible.
- Treating Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, can be effectively managed with regular Kegel exercises. Kegels help strengthen the muscles that control urine flow.
- Managing Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence, characterized by a sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine, can also be helped by Kegels. Regular exercises can provide better bladder control.
- Improving Sexual Health
For women, Kegels can enhance sexual health by improving the blood circulation to the vagina, increasing vaginal tone and lubrication, and enhancing orgasmic responses. In men, they can help with erectile function and ejaculatory control.
- Supporting Pregnancy and Childbirth
In women, Kegels are particularly beneficial during pregnancy and after childbirth. They can help improve muscle tone, reduce the risk of incontinence and hemorrhoids, and speed up recovery post-childbirth.
- Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where the pelvic organs descend due to weak pelvic muscles, can be managed with Kegel exercises. By strengthening the pelvic muscles, Kegels provide better organ support.
- Improving Bowel Control
Just as they can improve bladder control, Kegel exercises can also improve bowel control, making them beneficial for people struggling with fecal incontinence.
- Enhancing Recovery Post-Surgery
Men who have had prostate surgery (like a radical prostatectomy) may experience urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction post-surgery. Kegel exercises can enhance recovery and manage these side effects.
- Improving Quality of Life
By improving urinary and bowel incontinence and enhancing sexual function, Kegel exercises can significantly improve the quality of life, making daily activities easier and boosting self-esteem and sexual satisfaction.
- Easy, Free and Convenient
Kegel exercises are simple, free, and can be done anywhere at any time – while sitting at your desk, watching TV, or in bed. They don’t require any equipment, and with a bit of practice, can be done without anyone knowing you’re doing them.
In conclusion, Kegel exercises offer a host of benefits for both men and women. Regularly doing Kegels can lead to improved urinary and bowel function, enhanced sexual health, and better quality of life. However, it’s important to do these exercises correctly and consistently for best results – it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional or a pelvic floor physical therapist to ensure proper technique. With all their benefits, Kegels are indeed worth incorporating into your daily routine.
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