Kegel exercises are designed to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which can be weakened with childbirth, surgeries or aging. This weakening causes bladder control problems for women, along with having problems getting orgasms. For men, the pubococcygeal muscle helps achieve better erections, along with greater control over ejaculations. Through regular daily Kegel exercises, men and women can begin to experience more satisfying sexual activity.
History of Kegel Exercises
In 1948, Dr. Arnold Kegel developed the Kegel exercises to help women after childbirth or surgeries to strengthen pelvic muscles. In 1994, researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that teaching children Kegel exercises helped with bed wetting in most cases.
Exercise Tools
Exercise tools help women with Kegel exercises. These tools are called Kegel balls, a vaginal barbell and Kegel springs. The vaginal barbell is made of stainless steel, which makes it nonporous and can be washed with soap and hot water. The barbell is cylindrical shaped with round bulges on the ends. The Kegel springs are made of plastic, and their springs are removable to allow different resistances. Kegel balls are made of stainless steel--also nonporous--with easy-to-clean string between them.
Finding the Correct Muscle
Finding the correct muscle in your pelvic region can be simple. As you go to the bathroom, try to stop your flow of urine. If you're able to achieve this, you have succeeded. However, if you have problems finding the correct muscle, consult a physician for help and information.
Benefits for Women
Women who do Kegel exercises can have greater control of their bladders. Also, it's important to have strong pelvic muscles during pregnancy. Through pregnancy and childbirth, muscles in the pelvic area become stretched and grow weak. Doing Kegel exercises regularly helps a woman during delivery and in recovery. Having stronger pelvic floor muscles is also more conducive to experiencing more fulfilling orgasms.
Benefits for Men
Some research shows benefits for treating prostate pain and inflammation of the prostate gland. Some men have found it to help with pre-mature ejaculation, along with other sexual problems.
