Kegel Exercises & Urinary Tract Infections

Developed in 1948 by Dr. Arnold Kegel, these exercises work the pelvic floor muscles. To make sure you're doing it right, try stopping your flow of urine. This is the basic Kegel. While the exercise is mainly geared towards women, it can also help men who suffer from urinary incontinence.

Benefits Overview

Kegel exercises keep your pelvic muscles strong, so that as you age, your excretory and reproductive systems won't go asunder. Strengthening this area can make birth easier, increase sexual gratification and improve urethral function.

Urinary Tract Benefits

Keeping the pelvic floor muscles toned can decrease your risks of urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections. Don't make a habit of stopping your urine flow, though, because it can have reverse effects and weaken those muscles. Perform the exercise on an empty bladder.

Pregnancy Benefits

Kegels can also help reduce urine leakage during pregnancy and after childbirth. Do a set of 10 three times a day and save the diapers for the baby.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

If your pelvic muscles aren't strong, then one of your pelvic organs can sink lower into your belly. Most commonly, the bladder will prolapse. Doctors recommend Kegels to treat this condition.

The Elevator Technique

Elevator Kegels consist of slowly tightening the muscles up and down, like an elevator that stops on every floor.

Time Frame

It may take a few weeks, or even up to 3 months to reap the benefits of your Kegels. Check in with your doctor to make sure you're doing them right.

Resources

• The Mayo Clinic on Kegel Exercises
• AOL Health on Pelvic Organ Prolapse