In 1948, Arnold Kegel, M.D., a California gynecologist, developed pelvic floor exercises to help women restore vaginal tightness and function after reconstructive surgery and childbirth, according to Medline Plus. When the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, the results can lead to conditions ranging from mild urinary incontinence to more severe cases of pelvic organ prolapse. Today, the exercises that bear his name carry a wide range of benefits for both men and women.
Childbirth Preparation
Obstetricians recommend Kegels especially during pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Strong pelvic floor muscles will make you less likely to develop urine leakage and keep you more comfortable as your due date approaches. These exercises help prepare the vagina and perineum for the rigors of labor and can shorten recovery time. They can decrease the likelihood of tearing or episiotomy.
Heightened Sexual Enjoyment
For both men and women, Kegel exercises strengthen the pubococcygeus or PC muscles. For men, Kegel exercises give them greater ability to control the onset of ejaculation, making sex last longer and be more enjoyable. This is also the key muscle that contracts during female orgasm, so strengthening it can be helpful to women who have problems reaching orgasm, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doing Kegels during intercourse can make sex feel more enjoyable for both partners.
Prevention and Treatment of Incontinence
Kegel exercises may be most widely known for their benefits to people who suffer from urinary or bowel incontinence, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Several conditions, such as age, being overweight, pregnancy and childbirth, chronic cough or a genetic predisposition, can cause incontinence at different levels of severity. Fortunately, almost every case can be helped significantly by Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Manage Prostate Health
According to Massachusetts General Hospital, Kegel exercises are one method of lifestyle management for men who suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These exercises are helpful in preventing urine leakage associated with this condition and its more serious counterpart, prostate cancer. Kegel exercises are also recommended for men who have undergone prostate surgery.
Member Comments