Pelvic Floor/Kegels

[the-fee-fairy.livejournal.com]

1. Are these the same thing? (I'm describing them as the muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine).

2. How do i know i'm doing them right?

3. I remember reading something about holding a pencil up there to test the strength of the muscles. Can anyone elaborate for me please?

Thankyou

Comments

[lily-a-go-go.livejournal.com]

1. Kegels is really the exercise, but can also be used for the name of the pelvic floor muscles (pubococcygeus muscles).

2. If you can stop your urine mid-stream, you know you are doing them right.

from wikipedia: The pubococcygeal muscles are those used to stop the flow of urine during urination, and they may be easily identified in this way. However, after the muscle has been identified, practicing Kegel exercises during urination is not recommended, as this could lead to a urinary tract infection.

3. My midwife has checked mine by inserting fingers in my vagina and telling me to "flex". I've never heard of the pencil trick but I wouldn't suggest putting a pencil up there. One or two clean fingers should do the trick. If you can feel a tightening, then you are good.

[the-fee-fairy.livejournal.com]

i vaguely remember the pencil from many many years ago reading teen mags...

It was something like 'if you can hold a pencil up there, then they're working!'

I wasn't planning on an actual pencil...maybe a plastic spoon handle or something...IF this turns out to be one of the 'tightness tests'.

Not that i want to be super tight or anything, i just get paranoid...

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

VP's archives link to this website (http://www.libida.com/content/howto/home.php?howto_id=14&id=1081376981) that gives instructions on how to do kegels. It does suggest that you can use an object to strengthen the muscles, but I'd suggest using something like a finger or a dildo/vibrator (if you have one) over a pencil.

[the-fee-fairy.livejournal.com]

I didn't particularly fancy shoving a pencil up there either, it was just something that i read many many years ago!

THanks for the help!

[rockymtnhigh.livejournal.com]

In order to grip a pencil or spoon handle or anything slim like that, you'd have to have super-strong pelvic floor muscles. If you haven't been doing kegels, I would recommend "testing" them by seeing if you can feel the grip on 1 finger (or 2 fingers, or 3 fingers...) If you can feel them gripping onto 1 finger, your PC muscles are in great condition. If it takes 3 fingers, or if you can't feel them clamping at all, it's time to start a pelvic floor exercise routine!

Here (http://www.a-womans-touch.com/article/40/42/Pelvic_Floor_Strength_Kegels.html) is an article about kegels and the pelvic floor, and why it is important. And here (http://www.a-womans-touch.com/article/0/45/How_to_use_a_Kegel_Exercise_Tool.html) is an article on how to use a specially designed kegel exercise tool to boost your pelvic floor strength. And, if you still would like more information, here (http://www.a-womans-touch.com/article/45/393/Kegels.html) is a link to the information that we publish in brochure format at our store, and hand out to anyone looking for guidance on doing their kegels.

Hope that helped!

[the-fee-fairy.livejournal.com]

OOh, that helped a lot, thanks. I tried the one finger grip, and i felt a definite twitch, so i'm quite happy now that i'm getting all the exercises right!!

[pinkstarmaci.livejournal.com]

now I just feel like a freak. I used a pencil from curiosity and it didnt slide out even without squeezing (I do kegels daily, have for years so I dont know if that's the reason?) but by test with a pencil do they mean can you grip it, or do they mean when you flex you can see it flex?

[the-fee-fairy.livejournal.com]

I can't remember, i just have a vague memory of something to do with gripping pencils!!