What are Kegel exercises?
Named after Dr. Arnold Kegel who originally developed these exercises as a way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, specifically the pubococcygeus muscles (PC muscles).The exercises can also be done by men or women, don’t require very much time, and are relatively easy to learn.
Why do Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises are recommended for both men and women for a variety of reasons, some of which have been studied, and others are just suggested based on anecdotal evidence.For women:
- Kegel exercises were originally designed for helping women experiencing incontinence as a result of childbirth, but it can also help stress incontinence.
- It is thought that better toned muscles can make vaginal childbirth easier.
- Many, but not all, women report doing Kegel exercises enhances sexual enjoyment and changes the way orgasms feel.
For men:
- Kegel exercises may help men who experience incontinence, depending on the cause of the incontinence.
- Kegel exercises can help men learn greater ejaculatory control
- Kegel exercises can enhance sexual enjoyment both through greater ejaculatory control, but also changes in the way orgasm is experienced.
How do I do Kegel exercises?
Before you do Kegel exercises it is important to make sure you know where your PC muscle is located, and what it feels like to exercise the muscle.
While they are mostly the same, there are some differences in how to do Kegel exercises for women and how to do Kegel exercises for men. . For step by step instructions on doing Kegel exercises follow the links below:
Do I Need to use Something to do Kegel Exercises?
You don’t need to use any special device to do Kegel exercises. There are many products on the market available to help doing Kegel exercises, but just as you don’t need fancy gym equipment (but it might help) you don’t need these products. Some of them are good quality, and will make the exercises easier or more efficient, but there seem to be many products on the market of dubious use.
