5 Reasons to Start Doing Kegels Right Now
This article was medically fact-checked by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta.
You’ve heard it before: “do your Kegels! They’re great for you!”
But a lot of us like to think that it doesn’t apply to us – especially if we’re not experiencing any obvious problems right now. But the reality is ALL women need a healthy pelvic floor and Kegel exercises are one of the best ways to get one. So, here are the top five reasons why you should start doing your Kegels – right this second.
1. Have Bigger, Better Orgasms.
Even if you’re already satisfied (pardon the pun!) with your orgasms, imagine having stronger, longer orgasms – more often.
Studies have shown that kegels help improve pelvic floor strength which is associated with increased sexual satisfaction. But how, exactly? When you climax, the pelvic floor muscles contract rhythmically, and the stronger the muscles, the stronger the contractions.
Stronger contractions can equal better, more frequent orgasms. For women with pelvic floor disorders, increasing their pelvic floor strength has been associated with higher rates of sexual activity. The more comfortable and healthy your pelvic floor is, the better sex can be! Orgasms feel great and they’re great for you – why wouldn’t you want to amp up the big O?
2. Get A More Supportive Core.
We’re not talking about getting abs of steel (although those might be nice too!). Your pelvic floor is the unsung heroine of your core because it supports your internal organs, particularly your bladder, bowel and uterus. Think of it as a nice little hammock – if the hammock is weak, the organs won’t sit where they should.
Your pelvic floor also works with your ab and back muscles to support and stabilize your spine, which helps give you better posture, reduces pain and prevents injury. Your core just isn’t the same without a strong foundation!
3. Prevent Or Treat Leaks.
Even if you don’t experience bladder leakage now, 1 in 3 women deal with it at some point in their lives – that’s 33% of all women! (We know, that sounds like a lot. But ask your mother, grandmother, sisters and friends – you might be surprised by the number of women you know who have had little leaks.)
Your pelvic floor helps control urinary and bowel movements by tightening and releasing the muscles that allow you to go to the bathroom. Many women needlessly suffer leaks when they laugh or cough simply because their pelvic floor isn’t as strong as it could be.
Help your pelvic floor help you, by strengthening those muscles so it can help reduce or avoid leaks
4. Prepare for or recover from pregnancy.
4. Prepare for or recover from pregnancy.Pregnancy can be wonderful, but it can also be a little hard on your pelvic floor. The added weight can weaken and stretch the muscles, especially if you have a vaginal delivery. Get your body ready for pregnancy by doing Kegels now, even if you aren’t planning to have a baby right away.
Ensuring your pelvic floor is in good shape before pregnancy can prevent incontinence during and after, shorten the second stage of labor (the phase when you’re doing all the pushing), and prevent further complications during childbirth (like tearing and episiotomies).
If you’ve already given birth, doing Kegels can help your body recover, tone your muscles, reduce bladder leaks and bam! Your hot mama body just got a little hotter.
5. Prepare For Menopause Or Ease Your Menopause Symptoms.
As women near menopause, we often experience a variety of symptoms related to fluctuating estrogen levels, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness and lower sex drive. But reduced estrogen can also cause your pelvic floor muscles to become weaker, so having a strong pelvic floor at every stage of your life is an even bigger priority.
Plus, exercising those muscles also increases blood flow to the pelvic area, which can increase vaginal moisture and improve libido. Kegels help you take care of those symptoms, so you can focus on enjoying this new phase of life.
Regardless of what stage of life you’re in, there is truly no downside to starting to do your Kegels.
The catch? You have to be doing them correctly. Many women think all you need to do is “squeeze and release”, and while they’re almost right there’s a little more to it than that. You need to make sure you exercise the correct muscles, and that you’re doing a workout that meets your particular needs.
A smart Kegel exerciser will guide you through a routine to ensure that you’re getting the most out of every Kegel. It automatically measures your pelvic floor strength and chooses the perfect workout for your level – it even coaches you through each workout so you get faster, better results. It’s just like a personal trainer for your pelvic floor!
Not only do Kegels provide you with better intimate health almost right away, they can help you prevent future issues down the road. Whether you’re 26 or 62, it’s time to get started with those Kegels!
Watch this video to see how these women use Kegels to bust their vagina fears
Facts checked by:
Dr. Shree Datta
Dr. Shree Datta is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in London, specialising in women’s health including all menstrual problems such as fibroids and endometriosis. Dr. Shree is a keen advocate for patient choice, having written numerous articles and books to promote patient and clinician information. Her vision resonates with INTIMINA, with the common goals of demystifying periods and delivering the best possible care to her patients
Written by:
A collective group of “lady experts” at Intimina who love sharing our personal experiences, even when they are a little too personal. We believe it’s time to start breaking down the taboos around menstruation, motherhood, and menopause, and start owning our female health.
