Kegel exercises for men? Is it possible, and why do it? These pelvic floor exercises are both possible and recommended for men of all ages and in many situations.
Can men do Kegel?
Yes, men can do Kegel exercises! The Kegel helps men strengthen their pelvic floor.
Women perform Kegels for a number of reasons, including to prepare for pregnancy and to prevent genital prolapse or "organ descent." For women, these exercises strengthen the bladder, bowel, and uterus support area.
Men also have a pelvic floor. For men, the pelvic floor is made up of muscles, nerves, and tissues that support the rectum, bladder, and prostate in the pelvic region. Although men are less likely to experience severe prolapse, strengthening this area in men has many benefits.
What are the benefits of Kegel for men?
The pelvic floor is an often overlooked and very important muscle that needs to be worked just like other muscles in the body. There are many reasons to do Kegel exercises for men. The benefits include combating some of the problems resulting from a weak pelvic floor, namely incontinence and leakage of urine and stool. But men often do Kegels to improve the following:
– Accelerate recovery after surgical removal of the prostate. – Manage prostate pain resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia or other forms of prostate swelling. – Helps fight symptoms of conditions such as an overactive bladder or diabetes. – Helps to have better bladder control and urinary flow. – Helps with fecal incontinence and gas. – Helps with other pelvic floor dysfunctions. – Improve overall sexual health; individuals reported better ejaculation control and a more pleasurable orgasm.
A weak pelvic floor can be the result of surgeries, constipation, heavy lifting, long-term stress (such as coughing from smoking), and age. People wanting to do this kind of exercise should take special care to make sure they are working the right muscles and strengthening the right area.
How do I know that I am using the right muscles in my pelvic floor?
Since this is a seldom used area of the male body, it can be a bit tricky to determine if you're using the right muscles. You should feel the muscles inside your pelvis contracting and lifting.
Squeezing the wrong muscles can lead to tension in different parts of the body, so it's important to engage the right muscles.
Here are a few different methods of finding your pelvic floor muscles:
– While urinating, try to stop and resume your urine stream several times halfway through emptying your bladder. (Just do this to find the right muscles. Avoid doing this repeatedly as it can affect your bladder health.) – Tighten the muscles you use to keep yourself from passing gas. The right muscles should feel like they're pulling. Try to do this without squeezing your butt. – Stand naked in front of a mirror and try to tighten your pelvic floor. If you do this correctly, you will see the penis pull in and the scrotum lift.
Men generally need to do the exercises three times a day for about a month in order to see some of the benefits of Kegels. For people who didn't use the right muscles, there may not be an impact.
We invite you to consult a urologist who can help you target the right muscles.
What are Kegel exercises for men?
Before you begin the exercises, keep a few points in mind:
– It is important to engage the right muscles. Do not press down; imagine you are trying to lift the muscles. Also, do not squeeze your buttocks, stomach, or thighs. – Remember to breathe normally. If you feel a headache coming on, remember to breathe and consider taking a break. – Make sure your bladder is empty before you start doing Kegel exercises for men. – Please DO NOT attempt Kegel exercises while wearing a catheter.
Basic Exercise n°1
You can do this exercise lying down or standing up. Many people find it easier to do this especially on their side or on their back. As you get better, you may be able to do this while sitting or even walking.