The exercises can also enhance sexual pleasure. After childbirth, the exercises promote healing of the perinium. The perineum is the area between the vagina and rectum that is sometimes is cut or torn during childbirth. Because weak pelvic floor muscles contribute to incontinence, exercises to strengthen these muscles may lessen or sometimes prevent incontinence. To do Kegel exercises, a woman squeezes or tightens the vaginal muscles normally used to stop urination.
Some women have poor sensation in the lower pelvis.
They may incorrectly contract their abdominal muscles instead of their pelvic floor muscles. As the stream of urine slows, try to stop it by contracting the pelvic floor muscles. Squeeze down on the fingers. The provider can tell when the muscles are tightening properly. Squeeze down as if stopping the flow of urine.