Kegel exercises, also referred to as pelvic muscle exercises, involve actively contracting and releasing the muscles in the pelvis, also sometimes colloquially called the “Kegels”.
The involuntary contraction and release of pelvic muscles help to maintain proper and healthy pelvic blood flow. When the muscles are properly contracted the flow of urine is diminished and the amount of blood in the bladder increases. It is this increased amount of blood in the bladder that causes the pelvic muscles to tighten.
While this sounds simple enough, there are many different health risks associated with natural pelvic contractions. Most often, a woman who contracts her muscles improperly during this process has difficulty relaxing them, and she may experience some pain associated with them. It can also cause the bladder to become too engorged and create a condition called “diverticulitis.”
While Kegels require no medical supervision, many women report a feeling of discomfort while performing the exercise. This may be related to the fact that a woman must have an erection in order to perform the exercise correctly. Some women report pain while others do not, and it is always best to consult with your doctor before engaging in any type of exercise routine. In addition, most women choose not to engage in this type of exercise for several days after they perform them, so it is important to follow the recommended time period to avoid an infection.
One of the most common health risks associated with Kegels is urinary incontinence. Many women report a problem with urine leakage when performing the exercise. This can be caused by a build up of urine in the bladder, a weak or improperly stretched sphincter, or it can be a result of poor muscle strength.
Because of the potential for urinary leakage, women should seek medical attention immediately if they notice urine leaking from their vagina. They may also want to seek assistance from their doctor if they have pain while doing the exercise or if the exercise feels painful. Because the exercises are not usually painful, a woman may feel more comfortable performing them while they are in their home rather than in a clinic.
The muscle spasms associated with Kegels can be potentially dangerous for women with underlying heart conditions.
If the spasm becomes severe, it is possible that the heart can be damaged, which may result in a life threatening condition called “cardiogenic shock”. If you experience pain or weakness in your chest, you should seek medical attention immediately for symptoms such as fainting or breathing difficulties.
If you have any questions about your health or if you experience any discomfort while doing Kegels, seek medical advice. Your doctor can assess your condition and provide you with instructions on how to perform your own Kegels. Once your doctor determines that your health is safe, you can begin a self-administered Kegels regimen at home.
It is important to understand all of the health risks associated with Kegels, but the most important thing to remember is that you are in control of your treatment. If you experience any symptoms, be sure to discuss these with your doctor immediately.
As you learn more about your health, you may find that there are more possible treatment options available to you. These may include a natural herbal remedy that can help reduce pain or the use of heat therapy. Be sure to talk with your doctor to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.
When performing Kegel exercises, it is important to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are responsible for assisting you in urinating. When they become weakened, there is a greater chance that you will experience leakage during a Kegel session.
In addition to strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, you should also ensure that you are hydrated and properly lubricated prior to performing your exercise. If you are not properly hydrated, it may be difficult to complete the workout. Additionally, some women find that they need more lubricant than others.
Finally, be aware that some women find it helpful to wear panty liners or other undergarments before performing Kegel exercises. This allows them to be in a relaxed state during the workout. Many women report that wearing panty liners allows for easier access to their vaginal area.