Kegel exercises are a type of exercise aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles by contracting and relaxing these muscles. They were developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel, an American gynecologist, who initially designed these exercises to help women improve postpartum recovery and prevent and treat urinary incontinence.
The main uses of Kegel exercises include:
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles: Regular exercises can enhance the strength and endurance of these muscles.
Preventing urinary incontinence: Particularly for women, as pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles; Kegel exercises help improve this issue.
Enhancing sexual quality: Stronger pelvic floor muscles may improve sexual pleasure.
Supporting organs: Strong pelvic floor muscles can help support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, reducing the risk of organ prolapse.
Improving postpartum recovery: Many postpartum women use Kegel exercises to aid their body's recovery.
When performing Kegel exercises, it's essential to identify the correct muscles, usually by attempting to stop the flow of urine while urinating. During the exercises, focus on breathing and avoid excessive straining, maintaining the contraction and relaxation of the muscles. It's recommended to perform a few sets of exercises daily.
