Incontinence is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide, with varying degrees of severity. It is a condition that can be embarrassing and have negative impacts on quality of life.
Despite the many methods available for dealing with incontinence, new research has led experts to recommend two surprising solutions: orgasms and Kegel exercises. Experts have found that both of these activities can have positive benefits for treating incontinence. Read on to find out more about how orgasms and Kegels can help with incontinence, and why they have been doctor-approved.
What is Incontinence?
Incontinence is the lack of control over the bladder or bowel, leading to involuntary leakage of urine or feces. It can be categorized into two main types: urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine that is significant enough to cause a social or hygiene problem. It can be divided into several subtypes:.
- Stress incontinence: leakage of urine that occurs with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or other physical activities that increase abdominal pressure.
- Urge incontinence: leakage of urine caused by a strong and sudden urge to urinate that cannot be held back.
- Mixed incontinence: a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence: urine leaks out of the bladder because it is too full and cannot empty properly.
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is when the body cannot control the bowel movement, leading to accidental leakage of feces. It can affect people of all ages, but is more common in older adults. It can be caused by several factors, including:.
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Nerve damage in the rectum or anus
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rectal prolapse
- Trauma to the anus or rectum
- Rectal surgery
Orgasms and Incontinence
An orgasm is a physical and emotional experience that occurs during sexual activity. It involves a series of involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to improved muscle tone and control in the area.
Studies have shown that these contractions can actually help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, making them more effective in controlling bladder and bowel function.
In one study, researchers found that women who reported having more frequent orgasms had stronger pelvic floor muscles and were less likely to have urinary incontinence.
Another study found that men who had more frequent orgasms were less likely to experience urinary incontinence after prostate surgery.
However, it’s important to note that while orgasms can have benefits for treating incontinence, they are not a cure-all solution. They will not work for everyone, and should be used in conjunction with other treatments as recommended by a doctor.
Kegels and Incontinence
Kegel exercises are a type of exercise that target the pelvic floor muscles. They involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that control urine and bowel movement.
Kegels have been proven to be effective in treating both urinary and fecal incontinence, with studies showing that they can reduce leakage and improve quality of life for people with incontinence.
Kegels are easy to do and can be done anywhere, without anyone knowing. To do kegels:.
- Identify the muscles you use to stop urine flow midstream;
- Empty your bladder;
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position;
- Contract the pelvic floor muscles for a slow count of five;
- Relax the muscles for a slow count of five;
- Repeat 10-15 times, 3-4 times a day.
It’s important to breathe normally during kegel exercises and avoid squeezing your buttocks or thighs. It may take several weeks of regular kegel exercises to see improvement in incontinence.
Other Ways to Treat Incontinence
While orgasms and kegels are two effective ways to treat incontinence, other methods are also available. Some of these methods include:.
- Lifestyle changes: these may include reducing caffeine intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding constipation.
- Behavioral therapies: these may include bladder training, timed voiding, and pelvic floor therapy.
- Medications: certain medications can help to calm overactive bladder muscles and reduce incontinence.
- Surgery: in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct underlying physical problems that are causing incontinence.
Conclusion
Incontinence can be a difficult and embarrassing condition, but there are many effective treatments available. Doctors have recently begun to recommend two surprising solutions for treating incontinence: orgasms and kegels.
Research has shown that both of these activities can have positive effects on the pelvic floor muscles and lead to improved bladder and bowel control. If you suffer from incontinence, talk to your doctor about what treatment options may be best for you.