Women in varying phases of life can benefit from Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Several factors can lead to weakened muscles, such as pregnancy, childbirth, being overweight, chronic cough and aging, reports the Mayo Clinic. Kegel exercises are performed by squeezing the muscles that stop your flow of urine. Practice this technique regularly to experience the benefits of Kegels.
Easier Birthing Process
Performing Kegel exercises during pregnancy is often recommended. The American Pregnancy Association suggests that strengthening the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy can help you develop the ability to control your muscles during labor and delivery. Improved muscle control and strength will make your birthing process easier and less stressful on your body. Kegel exercises will also make you less likely to develop urine leakage during and immediately after pregnancy.
Increase Blood Flow
Increased blood flow to your pelvic muscles is of particular importance to promote healing after giving birth. The website babycenter.com explains that because Kegels improve circulation to your rectal and vaginal area, they can help speed healing after an episiotomy or tear during childbirth as well as keep hemorrhoids at bay during pregnancy. Kegels need to be performed before and after childbirth in order to experience these benefits.
Improve Bladder Control
Many women experience urinary incontinence during and after pregnancy and as they age. Urine leakage when laughing, coughing or even jogging is a sign of weak pelvic muscles. Regularly performing Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve your bladder control. The Mayo Clinic advises that by keeping your pelvic floor muscles toned, you may reduce your risk of incontinence and similar problems as you get older.
Prevent Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When your pelvic floor muscles weaken, your pelvic organs descend and bulge into your vagina, causing a pelvic organ prolapse, explains the Mayo Clinic. This condition can lead to uncomfortable pressure in the pelvic region and even leakage of urine and feces. The University of Chicago Medical Center notes that prolapse can be brought on by childbirth, menopause, obesity, normal aging, chronic cough, chronic constipation and even heavy lifting. Regularly performing Kegel exercises will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and delay, and in some cases prevent, pelvic prolapse from occurring.
Increase Sexual Arousal
Kegel exercises may improve your sexual arousal and experience by improving the muscle tone of your vagina. Family Doctor.org suggests that performing Kegel contractions and then relaxing your pelvic floor muscles may increase your arousal, while the Mayo Clinic notes that Kegel exercises may be helpful to women who have persistent problems reaching orgasm.
