What kind of exercise strengthens the pelvic floor?
• Kegel exercises are often a first step to pelvic floor strength. They can be done wherever you are. Pilates also helps to strengthen the pelvic floor in other ways, for example, by working the inner thigh muscles. You can easily do this at home: Take a ball, place it between your knees, squeeze it, hold for five and then release for a count of five. Remember that releasing the muscles is as important as holding them because a tight pelvic floor can cause as many problems as a weak pelvic floor – some sexual dysfunctions, such as pain during intercourse might be an indication of a tight pelvic floor. • Ive just had a baby and cannot feel if I am engaging my pelvic floor. • This is very common. Please be patient. Sucking your thumb whilst engaging will help this muscle fire up and in time you will feel it. Keep sucking that thumb. • Are pelvic floor exercises only important for women? • No. A healthy pelvic floor is important for men too. Recent US studies recommend pelvic floor exerci
