Benefits of Kegel Exercises for Women

Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles. This is a hammock-like muscle, found in both sexes that helps to form the floor of the cavity that supports the pelvic organs. Like any muscle in the body, these muscles can become weak and deconditioned. To help find the muscle you are trying to exercise, attempt to stop the flow of urine while urinating. If you are able to do this, you are contracting the correct muscle. These exercises are usually prescribed to help prevent or treat incontinence.

Stress Incontinence

• These exercises are helpful if you have stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when you accidentally leak urine while laughing, sneezing or coughing.

Urge Incontinence

• Urge incontinence is diagnosed if you often have a sudden urge to urinate but are unable to make it to the bathroom in time. Kegel exercises will help you learn to control the pelvic muscles.

Muscles Weakened By Pregnancy

• The PC muscles can often become weak during natural childbirth. The pressure of the fetus and the overstretching of these muscles during pregnancy and birth can make the muscles weak. Kegel exercises can help tone these muscles.

Prolapse

• Conditions such as vaginal or uterine prolapse can sometimes occur in women who have gone through menopause. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus has descended from its position as a result of damage to tissue during childbirth.

Male Urinary Incontinence

• Kegel exercises can also manage urinary incontinence in men that occurs after prostate surgery. When the prostate is removed by surgery or radiation, it affects the way the bladder holds urine. The bladder's capacity is reduced, which can lead to spasms and urine leakage.

Instructions

• To perform the Kegel exercises, empty your bladder. Then tighten the PC muscles and hold for a 10-second count. Release and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat ten times at three different periods throughout the day.