What is kegel

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Women's health. Products and services. Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women Kegel exercises can prevent or control urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female pelvic floor muscles The pelvic floor muscles work like a hammock to support the pelvic organs, including the uterus, bladder and rectum.

Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Wein AJ, et al. Conservative management of urinary incontinence: Behavioral and pelvic floor therapy and urethral and pelvic devices. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology. Always remember that — even as you contract your pelvic floor muscles — the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks, and sides should remain loose.

Pelvic floor exercises are important, no matter your gender Here's the most recent research and…. Kegel exercises are used to treat a variety of conditions in women, but research suggests they may also help men.

Learn how Kegel exercises might…. Your vagina changes throughout your lifetime, but that doesn't mean it's less tight. Learn reasons why you may feel too tight or too loose and what to…. Your discharge can say a lot about your health. Here's our swatch-guide to vaginal…. For women, sexual health significantly impacts overall health.

Practicing safe sex, using contraception properly, and getting screened regularly for…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Kegel Exercises.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. You can also exercise by using special weights or biofeedback. Ask your health care team about these exercise aids. Don't squeeze other muscles at the same time. Be careful not to tighten your stomach, legs, or other muscles. Squeezing the wrong muscles can put more pressure on your bladder control muscles.

Just squeeze the pelvic muscle. Don't hold your breath. Repeat, but don't overdo it. At first, find a quiet spot to practice—your bathroom or bedroom—so you can concentrate. Lie on the floor. Pull in the pelvic muscles and hold for a count of 3. Then relax for a count of 3. Work up to 10 to 15 repeats each time you exercise.

Patton S, Bassaly R. Urinary incontinence. Conn's Current Therapy Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Updated by: Kelly L. Editorial team. Kegel exercises - self-care. You may have these problems: As you get older If you gain weight After pregnancy and childbirth After gynecologic surgery women After prostate surgery men People who have brain and nerve disorders may also have problems with urine leakage or bowel control.

How to Find the Right Muscles. If you still are not sure you are tightening the right muscles: Imagine that you are trying to keep yourself from passing gas. Women: Insert a finger into your vagina. Tighten the muscles as if you are holding in your urine, then let go. You should feel the muscles tighten and move up and down. Men: Insert a finger into your rectum. How to do Kegel Exercises.

Once you know what the movement feels like, do Kegel exercises 3 times a day: Make sure your bladder is empty, then sit or lie down.