| Kegel exercises were originally developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel to strengthen the pelvis, especially the pubococcygeus muscles (PC muscles). These muscles are engaged in urination, bowel movements, sexual intercourse and, in women, during childbirth.
Many illnesses, such as pregnancy, labour, being overweight, aging, a chronic cough, a genetic predisposition to weak connective tissue, badly impact upon your pelvic floor muscles. In males, debilitating of the pelvic floor muscles can also bring on premature ejaculation. In both men and women, the debilitated pelvic floor muscles can trigger a drop in ability to orgasm.
So, Kegel exercises are used for various purposes. This type of exercising is believed to be the principal point of a management program to handle stress or incontinence. The pc muscles involved by this form of exercises include the anal and urinary sphincter. In men, the exercises can "lift" the testicles. Sometimes the results are noticeable in several weeks after the regular exercising, but some men observe their testicles lifting in no time at all.
Like any muscle of the body, the pc muscles, if not involved or "worked out" frequently, weaken and finally atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is a frequent medical condition for post-menopausal women.
In women, deficiency of muscle tone in the area can lead to vaginal or uterine prolapse, differently called fallen womb.
The conditions can result in discomfort and in some cases need surgery. But, the principal cause is a collapse of the pelvic floor which keeps the organs in place.
Kegel exercises can prevent these conditions and can aid in treating them, as well.
To ensure you know how to contract the pc muscles, try to stop the urine stream while you are going to the washroom. If you succeed, you have got the basic move. Or try another technique: having inserted a finger into the vagina, try to squeeze the muscles. You should be able to feel your vagina become tight and your pelvic floor move up. Then relax your muscles and feel your pelvic floor move downwards to the initial position.
Kegel exercises are to be performed regularly to achieve the best results. A set of Kegel exercises for males and females can be found at kegel-exercise.org. Note it is better to prevent a disease than to deal with it. |
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