Should I Be Doing Pelvic Floor Exercises?

If you are under 40, haven't had a baby, don't pee yourself regularly (or even irregularly!) then you might be thinking you don't need to do pelvic floor exercises. What if I told you that regular kegel exercises can actually lead to more intense orgasms? Yes you read that right!

The pelvic floor muscles span the bottom of the pelvis and support the pelvic organs (bladder and bowel, and uterus (womb) in women). When pelvic floor muscles are weakened they can create problems with bladder and bowel control. Kegel exercises strengthen these pelvic floor muscles, to support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. 

image source: www.fizimed.com

Since the pelvic floor muscles are small, it doesn't take a lot of movement to work them, so it's best to start with a little and slowly work up. Those teeny tiny muscles take a hell of a beating throughout life, and keeping them strong can benefit you more than you'd ever imagine.

Megan Vickers, a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor therapy told Cosmopolitan UK; “Every movement we make and breath we take involves the pelvic floor. So it's no wonder that these muscles can become tense, painful, weak or dysfunctional.”

But I'm Young And Fit?

As Megan Vickers goes on to explain, “with an increasing rise in high impact and high load sports, such as crossfit, pelvic floor dysfunction is affecting more women at younger ages. Whilst incontinence is common - affecting one in 3 women - there are so many other things that can go wrong when the pelvic floor is not well trained. It's a huge issue for women of all ages, from those in their twenties to pregnancy and post-natal. It covers the whole spectrum of women.” 

Having a weak pelvic floor can lead to issues including difficulty in childbirth, uncomfortable or painful sex, and struggles with exercise, to name a few.

 And The Good News?

With no time commitment (as we know you are busy!) you can do your pelvic floor exercises and reap the following benefits:

• Contributes to a strong core  - and as 80s fitness instructor Denise Austin says "your spine is your lifeline - keep it healthy"
• Prepare the body for pregnancy  - planning on having a baby at some point in the future? Well a strong pelvic floor can mean an easier pregnancy, less painful labour, and quicker recovery.
• Bladder control -  hands up if you don't wish to pee your pants when you cough or sneeze?
• Enhanced sexual sensation and pleasure - as your pelvic floor includes the muscles that spasm when you orgasm, the stronger the muscles, the stronger the orgasms. Nuff said!!

Even more good news...

The best thing about pelvic floor exercises? They can be done literally anywhere, and no-one will ever know.

Have you heard of Ben Wa ballls, also known as kegel balls? They are a product that, when inserted into the vagina, do the exercises for you -  without you even having to think about it. All you have to do is remember to insert them! They are completely discreet and some even provide some subtle vibration so you can smile the whole day long!

Shop The Quiet Achiever's range of top rated & body-safe Ben Wa balls here.

Read more from Cosmopolitan's article linked here.