What are pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)?

The pelvic floor muscles are like a hammock, stretching from the pubic bone to the lower back.  These muscles support the pelvic organs, including the bladder.   Incontinence can develop, if pelvic floor muscles become weak or damaged due to childbirth, surgery, excess straining, or genetics.

Fortunately, urinary incontinence can be improved in some patients by exercising and strengthening these muscles.  Learning to squeeze them when the urge to urinate becomes strong is an important way to control leaking urine.  Daily exercise with these muscles is also very helpful for woman with stress incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing or movement).

Are pelvic floor exercises effective?

Although some patients may in the past have tried pelvic floor muscle exercises,  they may have found them ineffective for several reasons.   Many patients may try Kegel exercises for a brief time, but abandon them before improvement can be noticed.  Also, most people are unaware of their pelvic floor muscles, and as a result, may not be exercising and strengthening the proper muscles.   Biofeedback may be used to help a woman identify her pelvic muscles and improve the ability to contract them to control urgency.  For more information about biofeedback, CLICK HERE.

Gynecology and Fertility Clinic
Aston Ambulatory Care Building
5303 Harry Hines Blvd., Fifth Floor, Room U5.104
Dallas, Texas 75390-8865
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