Kegel exercises were created by Dr. Arnold Kegel. He was a physician who aimed to create exercises that reduced the incidence of urinary incontinence in his patients, according to MedlinePlus. For men, these exercises involve clenching and releasing the urinary and rectum muscles, which are known as the pelvic floor muscles. With regular practice, these muscles can become stronger, which offers a number of health benefits for men.
Reduces Urinary Incontinence
As a man ages, he's more likely to experience urinary incontinence. This is a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic. These muscles surround a man's bladder and urethra, helping to hold urine in the body. When a man's pelvic muscles weaken, he may be less able to control his urinary flow. Just like a biceps curl or lunges to strengthen muscles, kegels strengthen the muscles around the bladder. As a result, a man may experience greater urinary control. According to MedlinePlus, kegels are especially recommended for those who may have undergone surgery to remove the prostate gland. Because urinary incontinence is a risk associated with the surgery, kegels may be recommended before and after surgery as a means to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce adverse side effects, according to Associates in Urology, LLC.
Prevents Urinary Incontinence
Because the pelvic floor muscles weaken with age, kegel exercises can reduce the incidence of urinary incontinence and help prevent urinary incontinence. The exercises can be performed three times per day to strengthen the muscles and reduce the incidence of incontinence as a man ages, according to Associates in Urology, LLC. A man may begin to see improved urinary control in as little as four to six weeks after beginning kegel exercises.
Improved Sexual Performance
Because the pelvic floor muscles also control a man's erection and ejaculation, strengthening these muscles may improve sexual function, according to the University of California, Santa Barbara. Performing kegels can help a man to experience an erection for a longer period, which may result in greater sexual satisfaction. Kegels also are associated with improved control over ejaculation. Some men may experience multiple orgasms as a result of performing these exercises.
