GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic muscles and to bring back or improve bladder and bowel control. People with stress incontinence (in-KON-ti-nens) (urine leakage during activities or exercise) often do Kegel exercises. People with fecal incontinence (problems controlling bowel movement leakage) may also do Kegel exercises. These exercises are done by tightening and relaxing the pelvic muscles. Kegel exercises are also called pelvic floor muscle training or pelvic floor exercises. They must be done correctly and regularly in order to help strengthen the pelvic muscles.
What are pelvic muscles? Pelvic muscles are attached to the area between your pelvic (hip) bones. These muscles act like a strong floor to help hold your pelvic organs in place. Examples of pelvic organs are the bladder (holds urine) and rectum (holds bowel movements). Certain conditions may cause the pelvic muscles to weaken. When your pelvic muscles become weak, the pelvic organs may sag onto one another. When this happens, you may have stress incontinence or other problems.
