How and when should I do Kegel’s exercises?
Only 50% of women can effectively contract their pelvic floor muscles. I use various ways to describe the contraction such as: “contract the muscles you would use to stop the urine stream or passage of gas” or “try to pull the vagina and rectum and coccyx inward” or “try to close the vaginal opening”. You can always put your fingers in the vagina and see if you feel a squeeze inside, or have your health care practitioner evaluate if you are doing the Kegel’s exercises properly. Do not regularly try to stop the urine stream as this can cause voiding problems over time. Since many women have trouble isolating these important muscles, specialized pelvic floor physical therapists can help, perhaps using modalities such as biofeedback or electrical stimulation.
