What are kegel or pelvic floor exercises?

[MsBlueStreak]

So, I’ve always been a little confused about the whole pelvic floor exercises thing.

What exactly are they? Are they uncomfortable? Are they necessary?  When should we start doing them? And how often should we be doing them? (I guess those questions are probably for @Nurse_Nettie)

My other questions I guess are for the ladies here. Do you all engage ‘kegels’? 

[Aunt_Flo]

I do them from time to time. I have a bit of a weak bladder and find it helps. It’s not uncomfortable, just different – you’re tensing an releasing a muscle that you don’t consciously move very often. 

I know my mum did them and used kegel balls as well after pregnancy. She didn’t find as helpful as I have. 

[mak_trouble891]

Ok what are kegels? @Nurse_Nettie

[Nurse_Nettie]

Good questions @mak_trouble891 @MsBlueStreak!  I enjoy anatomy :).  Kegel Muscles are found at the base of the pelvic floor (see X sectional diagrams below). They function to support & increase bladder & bowel control as well as sexual function. Kegel or pelvic floor exercises aren’t uncomfortable & are for both men & women. It’s a great idea to start now! 
   

[Curiosity]

I have a friend who has a red light kegal rule when they are driving, so when they are waiting for the lights to change they do a few kegals

[CloakOfAsh]

I did not know men could do this too, excuse me for a moment.

[CloakOfAsh]

Am I alone on this one gents?

[walk_on_walls]

I read about Kegel for guys in a Men’s Health magazine ages ago, but never really did them. The red light idea is a good one though.

[MsBlueStreak]

Does anyone have links to practical exercise instructions/videos?

[Aunt_Flo]

@CloakOfAsh I had absolutely no idea either! 

[Nurse_Nettie]

@MsBlueStreak Here is some info & exercises for both men & women. And for a bit of guidance about how to do it right, check out this useful video!

[ElleBelle]

Haha @Curiosity in High School my VICE-PRINCIPAL told me she does this at red lights. It was a weird overshare. Maybe it was on Oprah once or something 🙂

Speaking of overshares, sometimes when I do kegel exercises all the activity and blood flow in that area can make me feel a bit aroused. Am I alone in this, or does it happen to others?

[Kit]

“It is recommended that all women exercise their pelvic floor muscles every day throughout life”  welp

[mak_trouble891]

Is this why when I do skipping at the gym I wanna pee? lol weak muscles?

[ElleBelle]

It could be @mak_trouble891! I always fear getting bronchitis for a similar reason, all that coughing makes me wanna pee. Maybe @nurse_nettie can confirm?!

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