Women use Kegel exercises for a variety of reasons. They can enhance your sex life and reproductive health, among other things. Kegel exercises are easy to understand and perform. Even if you have no specific need in mind, Kegel exercises can still be beneficial.
History
Dr. Arnold Kegel, a surgeon trained at the Mayo Clinic, invented what came to be known as "Kegel exercises" in the early 1950s. He practiced surgery in Chicago but moved more and more toward non-surgical approaches as his career progressed. His discovery of Kegel exercises is one of the first examples of biofeedback in medicine. He used these exercises as a way to treat incontinence and sexual dysfunction, as well as to help women become more aware of their pelvises' muscles.
Definition
Kegels are exercises that work the muscles of the pelvic floor, specifically the bulbocavernosus muscle. The bulbocavernosus has two halves that run down each side of the vagina, from the clitoris to the perineum. Kegel exercises simply contract these muscles, causing the vagina to constrict.
Identification
Before you try Kegels, identify the muscles you need to work. You can do this while urinating by stopping and starting the urine's flow. You can also simply put your finger in your vagina and squeeze your finger with your vaginal walls. These are the muscles that Kegels should work.
Perfomance
There are many different ways to do Kegels. The most basic exercise is to slowly tighten and relax the muscles. Contract your pelvic muscles for six seconds, and then allow them relax slowly over six seconds. Vary the time and the number of repetitions to find what feels good. Repeat this as many times a day as you like. The most important part of these exercises is remembering to do them. The more consistent you are about it, the stronger your pelvic muscles will become.
Benefits
Stronger pelvic muscles will make childbirth easier, decreasing your risk of a torn perineum. Kegels are used to treat a prolapsed uterus. They also help with urinary incontinence. Finally, stronger pelvic muscles can make sex more enjoyable for both partners.
