Have you ever heard of Kegels? No? Well, here's why you should learn all about them!
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Kegels are exercises that target and strengthen the pelvic floor. These are the muscles that support your uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum. They are in charge of keeping your organs in place and have control over the strength of your bladder and rectal sphincters.
But why would they need exercising? And more importantly, how do they affect the big O?
Why would I have a weak pelvic floor?
If you're young, it's likely you've never even thought about your pelvic floor muscles. This is because these muscles tend to weaken only as a consequence of age. However, they can also weaken due to
- Pregnancy
- Givingbirth through the vagina
- Surgery in the pelvic area (a C-section for example)
- Genetics
- Frequent coughing, laughing or sneezing (actions that put stress on the pelvic organs
How do Kegels help?
It is important to maintain your pelvic floor strength for a number of reasons. Firstly, a strong pelvic floor can help prevent and/or treat many unwanted issues such as:
- Urinary leakage coughing, exercising, laughing, or sneezing
- The sudden need to urinate
- Haemorrhoids
- Involuntary flatulence
- Faecal incontinence
But, they can even improve your orgasms! This is because exercising your pelvic floor muscles creates toned vaginal muscles giving you more feeling during sex, or if you're a penis-owner they can give you greater control over ejaculation!
How to do a Kegel
- First, start by making sure you're targeting the right area. You can do this by stopping your flow whilst urinating. The muscles used to stop peeing are your pelvic floor muscles! (Note: don't always practise like this, as it can cause bladder issues if regularly repeated).
- Start slowly by squeezing your pelvic floor muscles for 3 seconds. Then release for 3 seconds and repeat 10 times. That’s one set!
- Build up your stamina over time by upping the number of sets you do each day (but aim for 3).
- If you're a vagina owner that's really invested, you can also try using Kegel balls or a yoni egg!
Sources used:
Web MD: 'Kegel Exercises'
Very Well Family: 'What Are Kegel Exercises?'
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