While pelvic floor exercises are certainly useful to women who have given birth, they’re also beneficial to women of all ages for a variety of reasons. It’s never too late to start working your pelvic floor muscles, and doing so could actually prevent future problems.
Kegel exercises are extremely helpful if you suffer from urinary incontinence. If you leak urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze, or you suddenly feel the need to urinate and have trouble making it to the restroom on time, you likely suffer from incontinence. Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles over time, which can prevent some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.
Kegel exercises also help to prevent pelvic organ prolapse, which can be caused by the natural aging process. Even if you do experience pelvic prolapse, these exercises may reduce the chance of mild conditions worsening while reducing symptom intensity and frequency.
To do a Kegel exercise, simply find the muscles you use to stop urinating and squeeze for a few seconds then release. Do this several times throughout the day, and gradually increase the number of seconds you squeeze before releasing. To start out, we recommend trying to squeeze for at least 10 seconds before relaxing for 10 seconds. You should repeat the exercise 10 times per set, at least three times a day. If you have trouble doing Kegel exercises, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for help. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Whether you’re 21 or 60 years old, pelvic floor exercises have a variety of benefits that can help you both now and in the future. There’s no reason not to give them a try.
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will always be our top priority! Would you like to learn more about pelvic floor health or urinary incontinence? Contact us today to schedule your appointment, or book your appointment online.
