While those changes are inevitable, they don’t have to affect our quality of life (or the quality of our sex lives.) One way to support our sexual wellness is by engaging in Kegel exercises regularly—and more importantly, by making sure we’re doing them correctly. If you’re still unsure, speak to your gynecologist or a pelvic floor physical therapist, and keep this graphic in mind: Only do this test once or twice a week—not every time you use the bathroom. Doing it too often may negatively train your bladder to not empty completely. If you’re worried about messing with your bladder, another good test is to put your fingers on the perineal body. As you contract the pelvic floor, you should feel it rise. Do this lying down on your side so you’re not putting abdominal pressure on the pelvic floor—this will allow you to relax and focus on the muscle. By exercising these muscles, it supports the pelvis and its surrounding organs, which helps to Improve urine storage, stool elimination, and sexual function. It may also decrease pain from sex and could help with childbirth.
