PSA: Don't forget to do your kegel exercises!

[Deleted]

I'm on a urogyn rotation now so it's so interesting to actually feel the strength (or lack of strength) of the pelvic floor muscles of women who are having stress incontinence.

Also, if you're having major issues the attending I'm with now works with some great pelvic floor physical therapists that he says are great and refers a lot of women to with good success depending on their exact issues. 

But anyway, even before doing PT, kegel exercises are highly recommended. I'm trying to get better about doing them myself. 10 to 20 three times per day. 

And remember, just like all other muscles it takes 6-8 weeks to see results! So get to squeezing. 

[Deleted]

Lol, thanks for the reminder.

I'm being serious.

[TC]

My mom had a full pelvic prolapse very young and I worry my digestive disorders and associated straining is going to put me on the same path I try to do my kegels but always appreciate the reminder.

[venice2007]

I'm doing them right now

[thebuddhagouda]

Every time I sneeze pee myself I remember to do them. That's pretty much the only time though.

[cville]

Ugh. I'm fine in the regular world, but jumping jacks are my nemesis. NEMESIS. So embarrassing.

[Deleted]

BUT MY VAGINA IS BLEEDING

[pantsparty]

You can't read 'kegel' without kegeling!

[Deleted]

Oct 21, 2014 15:33:59 GMT -5 cville said:

Ugh. I'm fine in the regular world, but jumping jacks are my nemesis. NEMESIS. So embarrassing.

This is one reason I'm afraid to do any kind of boot camp classes. I don't want to have to explain the pee situation.

[pitterwoo]

I'm kegeling now. I think I need PT though. I'm almost five months out and still feel uncomfortable heaviness if I do much walking or lifting. And then there was that time I had to jog to catch the bus...

[Deleted]

Oct 21, 2014 15:36:56 GMT -5 @fucksticklegit said:

BUT MY VAGINA IS BLEEDING

Uhhh, sounds like you need more than just some kegels  

[starburst604]

There's an app for that, I used to use it. You set it to remind you to do your kegels at a certain time each day. Then it walks you through the exercises, how many seconds to hold etc, and gradually increases the reps/time as you get stronger. Your own little personal vag trainer.

[IndiaInk]

Oct 21, 2014 16:23:54 GMT -5 starburst604 said:

There's an app for that, I used to use it. You set it to remind you to do your kegels at a certain time each day. Then it walks you through the exercises, how many seconds to hold etc, and gradually increases the reps/time as you get stronger. Your own little personal vag trainer.

What is the app? I've been thinking I need a reminder app for Kegels. I always forget and I badly need to be doing them.

[isabel]

Serious question: I do a lot of squats with heavy weight. Does that help or hurt those muscles? Should I still be putting a lot of emphasis on doing kegels?

[winelady]

thanks for the reminder!

[wise_rita]

Raise your hand if you are not doing kegels reading this thread.  Bueller?  Bueller?

Thanks for the reminder, @wandering!

[eddy]

I have never kegeled and have excellent pelvic floor muscles. But I have done pilates and or kettlebell workouts for years. Those make a huge difference.

[eddy]

Oct 21, 2014 22:11:58 GMT -5 isabel said:

Serious question: I do a lot of squats with heavy weight. Does that help or hurt those muscles? Should I still be putting a lot of emphasis on doing kegels?

Supposedly squats are excellent for your pelvic floor muscles.

[meganew]

I feel like I do my kegels, but I can never tell if I'm doing it right. And it's not like someone could watch and go "Yeah, good kegel form!"

[Deleted]

Oct 22, 2014 8:29:00 GMT -5 meganew said:

I feel like I do my kegels, but I can never tell if I'm doing it right. And it's not like someone could watch and go "Yeah, good kegel form!"

Pretend you have to pee really really really bad. Squeezing the muscles to help prevent you from peeing yourself is the muscles you should try to strengthen with kegels.

And if you're still in doubt, next time you have a gyn appointment when they do the internal exam he/she can tell you if you're doing it correctly. 

[Deleted]

Oct 21, 2014 22:11:58 GMT -5 isabel said:

Serious question: I do a lot of squats with heavy weight. Does that help or hurt those muscles? Should I still be putting a lot of emphasis on doing kegels?

Heavy lifting is a minor risk factor for prolapse (bladder, uterus or rectum), but I definitely wouldn't worry about it. Prolapse is a different problem than stress incontinence. I lift heavy and am definitely not worried about prolapse. If you have prolapse, kegel exercises aren't going to help. 

I think everyone should try to remember to do kegel exercises, especially if you've had kids. Can't hurt!