How to improve pelvic floor muscles
To improve your weak pelvic floor muscles, you can engage in Kegel exercises to strengthen these pelvic floor muscles. Regularly practising these kegel exercises for men can enhance bladder control, improve sexual function, alleviate pelvic pain, improve bladder and bowel control, and promote better overall pelvic health. It is by contracting the correct muscles that benefits are achieved.
Benefits of Kegel Exercises for Men
Kegel exercises offer a range of benefits for men. They can strengthen the weakened pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder control, and aid in managing urinary and faecal incontinence. Additionally, kegel exercises benefits sexually by helping address male sexual dysfunction and support other pelvic organs. These exercises can also improve overall pelvic health and enhance the quality of life.
Are Kegel exercises a treatment for erectile dysfunction?
While Kegel exercises can potentially help improve erectile function, they are not considered a standalone treatment for erectile dysfunction. However, research suggests that strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can contribute to better sexual health and support other treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Can Kegel exercises improve sexual performance for men?
Yes, Kegel exercises can potentially improve sexual performance for men. By strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, these exercises may help enhance erection quality, delay ejaculation, and improve overall control during sexual activity. However, individual results may vary, and it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive approach to sexual health.
Kegel Exercises for Men with Prostate Cancer after Robotic Surgery or Radiotherapy
For men who have undergone robotic surgery or radiotherapy for prostate cancer, Kegel exercises can play a crucial role in their recovery and overall pelvic health.
Prostate cancer treatments (prostate surgery, radiotherapy, HIFU, Nanoknife and others) can sometimes weaken the pelvic floor muscles and lead to urinary incontinence or other urinary problems. By practising Kegel exercises regularly, men can attain strong pelvic floor muscles, regain bladder control, and improve urinary symptoms.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or specialized pelvic floor therapist who can guide Kegel exercises' appropriate timing and technique based on individual recovery and treatment progress. Incorporating Kegel exercises into the post-prostate cancer treatment journey can significantly enhance and slowly increase the quality of life and restore confidence in urinary function.
How do I perform Kegel exercises? Step-by-step guide
To perform Kegel exercises, follow these steps:
Identify the pelvic floor muscles by imagining trying to find your pelvic floor to stop the urine flow or prevent passing gas.
Once you have located these muscles, tighten them by squeezing and lifting them.
Hold the contraction for a few seconds, then release and relax the muscles.
Repeat this sequence for a set of repetitions, then gradually increase the duration and number of repetitions as you progress.
Incorporate Kegel exercises into your daily routine to ensure consistency and maximize their benefits.
When you're having trouble with Kegel exercises
If you are having trouble with Kegel exercises, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or a pelvic floor specialist is essential. They can assess your technique, provide personalized advice, and offer alternative activities or therapies to address any difficulties you may be experiencing.
How do Kegel exercises compare to pelvic floor exercises?
Kegel exercises specifically target the pelvic floor muscles and are a type of pelvic floor exercise. While Kegel exercises primarily focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, other pelvic floor exercises may involve a broader range of movements and engage additional muscle groups. Incorporating Kegel exercises and other pelvic floor exercises into your routine for comprehensive pelvic floor muscle training is beneficial.
How often should I practice Kegel exercises?
The frequency of Kegel exercises can vary depending on individual needs and recommendations from healthcare professionals. Generally, it is recommended to practice Kegel exercises at least three times a day, aiming for three sets of 10-15 repetitions each time. However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable frequency and intensity for your specific situation.
Sexual benefits of Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises can have various sexual benefits for men. By strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, these exercises may improve erectile function, enhance orgasm control, and help address issues like premature ejaculation. Additionally, increased pelvic floor muscle strength can improve sexual performance and satisfaction.
Is it better to do Kegels sitting or standing?
Kegel exercises can be performed in various positions, including sitting, standing, or lying down. The key is to ensure proper pelvic floor muscle engagement, regardless of your chosen position. Experiment with different positions to find the one that allows you to isolate and contract the pelvic floor muscles effectively.
Kegel exercise for men and erectile dysfunction
While Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, they are not a guaranteed cure for erectile dysfunction. However, incorporating Kegel exercises into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other interventions, such as medication or counselling, can improve erectile function and overall sexual health.
How do you know if you are doing Kegels correctly?
Pay attention to the sensations in other muscles in your pelvic area to ensure you perform Kegel exercises correctly. You should feel a tightening and lifting of the pelvic floor muscles while keeping the surrounding muscles relaxed. If you are unsure, consulting with a healthcare professional or a pelvic floor specialist who can guide you and provide feedback on your technique is beneficial.
Kegel exercise for men and premature ejaculation
Kegel exercises can be beneficial for men experiencing premature ejaculation. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, these exercises may help improve ejaculatory control and delay ejaculation. It is important to note that individual results may vary, and combining Kegel exercises with other strategies or therapies may be necessary to effectively manage premature ejaculation.
Biofeedback training
Biofeedback training can be a beneficial complement to Kegel exercises for men seeking to improve their pelvic floor muscle strength and control. Biofeedback involves specialised devices or sensors that provide real-time feedback on muscle activity and contraction levels. During Kegel exercises, biofeedback can help individuals accurately identify and target the pelvic floor muscles, ensuring they perform the exercises correctly. This visual or auditory feedback enhances awareness and increases muscle engagement. Combining biofeedback training with Kegel exercises strengthen the weak pelvic muscles, floor track progress and achieves better control over urinary function and other pelvic floor-related concerns.
Reflection from a consultant urologist.
Regular kegel exercise practice is a valuable tool for both women and men to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, address urinary incontinence, enhance sexual function, and contribute to better overall pelvic health. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, you can reap the benefits and enjoy improved pelvic floor muscle function and overall well-being.
