Theory
The Kegelaid is an intra vaginal device that elevates and supports the pelvic organs and isolates the pelvic floor muscle to enhance pelvic floor muscle exercises. The Kegelaid is inserted into the vagina by hand and should be used as part of a program that includes pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Pelvic floor muscle (pubcoccygeal ) weakness:
Symptoms are often the same. Some women do not experience any symptoms, but others may experience one or more of the following:
• Pressure or lower back pain
• Leaking urine or urinary incontinence
• Difficulty in urinating
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Difficulty having a bowel movement
• Inability to control their bowels
The Pelvic floor muscle, (also popularly referred to as the pubcoccygeal or PC muscles, the Kegel muscle, the pelvic muscle and the pelvic floor) is one of a larger group of vaginal muscles located near the pelvic floor. The maintenance of these muscles is vital to sustaining overall sexual health as well as control of excretory functions. Because of the internal location of these muscles, many women are unaware of the exercise required in their daily maintenance. All too frequently women neglect these essential muscles until the first signs of incontinence.
Incontinence often occurs after childbirth. During labour, the PC muscles are stretched out of shape or damaged. Without the proper rehabilitation exercises, these PC muscles lose their ability to properly control excretory function. In addition many women experience sexual dysfunction as well as a loss in sensitivity and enjoyment during sexual activity. Social anxiety as well as depression often set in, as the sufferer feels inadequate in the control of their bodily functions.
The PC muscles stretch from front to back, directly below the pelvis. The muscles provide support for internal organs such as the urinary track, birth canal, urethra, uterus and rectum. The muscle is also directly involved in sexual stimulation and sensitivity as well as bladder control. The muscles are essential for proper health during pregnancy and are utilized during childbirth. Proper maintenance of the PC muscle is achieved through a group of exercises called Kegels, discovered by Dr. Kegel in 1948. Dr. Kegel had a 93% recovery rate in his patients.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises and the Kegelaid:
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are an important part of your treatment regiment. The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are a very important muscle group for women—they help support the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, and colon), assist in stopping and starting the flow of urine or the passage of gas or stool, and aid in sexual satisfaction improve female orgasm. Attached to the pelvic bones, PFM are located at the bottom of your pelvis and form a funnel that spans the width and breadth of the pelvis. When contracted, a deep feeling of tension and firmness is sensed, the muscles move upward, and the openings of the vagina and anus close.
PFM Exercise Program with Kegelaid
Begin by emptying your bladder and lie on your back on a flat surface to maximize your exercise with your Kegelaid in place. Keep your knees bent and apart and your head elevated and supported with several pillows. Remember, doing your exercises with the Kegelaid in place will allow you to be sure you are using the right muscle group.
How to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises with Kegelaid
1. Contract or tighten the Pelvic floor muscle around the vaginal opening and feel for a squeeze of the Kegelaid. Now relax your muscles.
2. Perform the PFM contraction (feel for the give of the Kegelaid upon closure of the vaginal opening).
3. Initially, you may only be able to hold each contraction for 3-5 seconds, relaxing
for 3-5 seconds for up to 5 repetitions. As you get stronger and your Pelvic floor muscle increase in strength, you can extend the time, holding the contraction for 5-8 seconds for 8 repetitions. Your goal is to reach 10-second contractions for 10 repetitions. Remember to always relax the PFM for an equal amount of time between contractions.
4. Do these exercises two times a day.
A Few Helpful Hints...
The quality of the exercises is more important than the number you perform or the seconds you are able to hold each contraction. As with all exercise, you will build strength over time as you follow your treatment regimen.
Avoid straining, holding your breath, or using your buttock muscles while you exercise the PFM. Counting out loud can help prevent this from happening. If you still notice that you use your buttock muscles or hold your breath, you are probably contracting your muscles incorrectly. Review your exercise instructions and try again. If the problem continues, notify your health care provider for more instructions.
As your strength continues to improve, you may want to challenge your muscles further by increasing resistance.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are a very important part of your treatment, so try to incorporate these exercises into your daily routine. Make it a habit like brushing your teeth and you will be less likely to forget.
