Kegel exercises for men
can help improve bladder control and possibly improve sexual performance.
Here's a guide to doing Kegel exercises
correctly.
Think
Kegel exercises are just for women?
Think again.
Kegel exercises for men can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and bowel and
affect sexual function. With practice, Kegel
exercises for men can be done discreetly just about anytime — whether you're
relaxing on the couch or driving your car.
Before
you start doing Kegel exercises,
find out how to locate the correct muscles and understand the proper technique.
Benefits of Kegel exercises for men
Many
factors can weaken your pelvic floor
muscles, including the surgical removal of the prostate (radical
prostatectomy) and conditions such as diabetes and overactive bladder.
You
might benefit from doing Kegel exercises
if you:
Have
urinary or fecal incontinence
Dribble
after urination — usually after you've left the bathroom
Some
studies suggest that Kegel exercises for men might also benefit some men who
have erectile dysfunction. However, further research is needed.
How to do Kegel exercises for men
It
takes diligence to identify your pelvic
floor muscles and understand how to contract and relax them. Here are some
pointers:
Find
the right muscles. To identify your pelvic
floor muscles, stop urination in midstream or tighten the muscles that keep
you from passing gas. These are your pelvic floor muscles. If you contract your
pelvic floor muscles while looking
in the mirror, the base of your penis will move closer to your abdomen and your
testicles will rise.
Perfect
your technique. Once you've identified your pelvic floor muscles, empty your bladder and lie on your back with
your knees bent and apart. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, hold the
contraction for three seconds, and then relax for three seconds. Try it a few
times in a row but don't overdo it. When your muscles get stronger, try doing Kegel exercises while sitting, standing
or walking.
Maintain
your focus. For best results, focus on tightening only your pelvic floor muscles. Be careful not to
flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs or buttocks. Avoid holding your
breath. Instead, breathe freely during the exercises.
Repeat
3 times a day. Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day.
When to do your Kegels
Make
Kegel exercises part of your daily
routine. For example:
Fit
in a set of Kegel exercises every
time you do a routine task, such as brushing your teeth.
Do
another set after you urinate or have a bowel movement, to get rid of the last
few drops of urine or to return any feces that haven't been voided to the
rectum.
Contract
your pelvic floor muscles just
before and during any activity that puts pressure on your abdomen, such as
sneezing, coughing, laughing or heavy lifting.
Tighten
your pelvic floor muscles
rhythmically during sexual activity to maintain an erection or delay
ejaculation.
When to expect results
If
you do your Kegel exercises
regularly, you can expect results — such as less frequent urine leakage —
within three to six weeks. For continued benefits, make Kegel exercises a permanent part of your daily routine.
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