enhancing intimacy

Enhancing Intimacy: Pelvic Floor Exercises for Couples

Intimacy is a vital aspect of any relationship, and it encompasses more than just sex. However, sexual intercourse is one of the most important physical expressions of intimacy, and it requires good pelvic health for both partners. Pelvic floor exercises are an effective way of improving pelvic health, which is essential for maintaining intimacy in a relationship. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of pelvic health, the role of physiotherapy in pelvic floor exercises, and how couples can enhance their intimacy through these exercises.

Importance of Pelvic Health

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a sling across the bottom of the pelvis, supporting the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles are responsible for controlling urination, defecation, and sexual function. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain good pelvic health to prevent pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that affects both men and women and is caused by weak or tight pelvic floor muscles. The symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by a range of factors, including childbirth, aging, surgery, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise.

Role of Physiotherapy in Pelvic Floor Exercises

Physiotherapy is a branch of healthcare that focuses on physical rehabilitation and the prevention of injury and disability. Pelvic physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy, is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic physiotherapists are trained professionals who use exercises, manual techniques, and other modalities to treat pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic physiotherapy is a non-invasive and drug-free way of treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic physiotherapists work with clients to identify the underlying causes of their symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. The treatment plan may include pelvic floor exercises, bladder retraining, biofeedback, and lifestyle changes.

At Human Integrated Performance, we offer specialized pelvic physiotherapy services to help clients improve their pelvic health. Our pelvic physiotherapists are experienced and trained to assess and treat a range of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Our pelvic physiotherapy services are aimed at helping clients regain control of their pelvic muscles, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.

Pelvic Floor Exercises for Couples

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, are a simple and effective way of improving pelvic health. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, strengthening them over time. Pelvic floor exercises can be done by both men and women.

Pelvic floor exercises can enhance intimacy between couples by improving sexual function. Strong pelvic floor muscles improve sensation and arousal during intercourse, leading to better orgasms. For men, pelvic floor exercises can help with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. For women, pelvic floor exercises can help with vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and urinary incontinence.

To perform pelvic floor exercises, both partners should sit or lie down comfortably. They should then contract their pelvic floor muscles for 5-10 seconds and then relax for the same amount of time. This cycle can be repeated for 10-20 times per session.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor exercises are an effective way of improving pelvic health and enhancing intimacy between couples. Pelvic physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that can help diagnose and treat pelvic floor dysfunction. At Human Integrated Performance, we offer pelvic physiotherapy services to help clients improve their pelvic health and overall well-being. Pelvic floor exercises can be done by both partners, making it a fun and intimate activity that can improve sexual function and overall intimacy in a relationship.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to see results from pelvic floor exercises?

It can take several weeks to several months to see significant results from pelvic floor exercises. Consistency is key, and it's important to do the exercises regularly to see improvements in pelvic health.

2. Can pelvic floor exercises be done during pregnancy?

Yes, pelvic floor exercises are safe and recommended during pregnancy. Strong pelvic floor muscles can help with childbirth and postpartum recovery.

3. Are pelvic floor exercises only for women?

No, pelvic floor exercises can be done by both men and women. They are particularly beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

References

  1. Hervé Fernández-Lao, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Manuel Arroyo-Morales, Physical Therapy for Chronic Pelvic Pain, Current Rheumatology Reports, 2014, 16, 4

  2. Rachael S. Funk, Robyn L. Shepard, Pelvic floor physical therapy in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in women, Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019, 31, 6, 516

  3. Bø K, Sherburn M. Evaluation of female pelvic-floor muscle function and strength. Phys Ther. 2005;85(3):269-282.

  4. Elneil S. Pelvic floor anatomy and function. In: Elneil S, ed. Female Pelvic Pain. Springer; 2015:5-15.

  5. Newman D. Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation using biofeedback. Urol Nurs. 2008;28(2):117-122.

  6. Newman DK, Lockridge L, Hamilton LG. The nature and management of urinary incontinence in women. In: Schrier RW, ed. Atlas of Diseases of the Kidney. Current Medicine Group; 2007:521-542.

  7. Omisanjo O, Ogbonna V. Pelvic floor dysfunction: a review. J Med Med Sci. 2013;4(8):352-357.

  8. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Men. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/pelvic-floor-muscle-training-for-men. Accessed on April 15, 2023.

  9. Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/pelvic-floor-exercises/art-20047592. Accessed on April 15, 2023.

  10. Pelvic Floor Exercises for Men. Continence Foundation of Australia. Retrieved from https://www.continence.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-exercises-for-men.html. Accessed on April 15, 2023.

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