The thing is, Kegels arent like brushing your teeth: not everyone needs to do them.
To do a Kegel, you clench the muscles and release them.
Then clench your groin as if you were trying to stop yourself from peeing.
This is your pelvic floor, according to Dr. Jeffcoat.
In fact, a2014 studyshowed that one-third of participants could not contract their pelvic floor for various reasons.
But that doesnt align with normal muscle function and how underlying dysfunction can be exacerbated by performing inappropriate exercises.
doctor of physical therapy, owner ofFemina Physical Therapy, and author ofSex Without Pain
This is where Kegels could do more harm than good, Dr. Jeffcoat says.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
This is a situation where Kegels have the potential to help.
In these cases, Kegels have shown to be effective with clinical oversight and improve peoples symptoms.
For example, providers often recommend Kegels to people healing after childbirth.
There is alsosome evidencethat Kegels arebeneficial for sexual health.
Dr. Jeffcoat adds that over-exercising is harmful for any muscle dysfunction.
For example, you dont start doing a bunch of hamstring curls if you strain your hamstring.
This applies to Kegels as well.
So even though Kegels are genuinely helpful, they arent a blanket solution for every pelvic floor condition.
One-size-fits-all approaches rarely work, especially in the case of the pelvic floor.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
