When it comes to improving overall pelvic health, kegel exercises are often the go-to solution. But did you know that they can also help in providing relief and preventing hemorrhoids? This common ailment affects millions of individuals, and kegel exercises offer a natural, non-invasive approach to dealing with the problem. In this blog post, you will learn the connection between kegel exercises and hemorrhoids, as well as the correct way to perform these exercises for maximum benefit.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They can be painful and cause itching, discomfort, and even bleeding during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can be caused by various factors, such as pregnancy, extended sitting, obesity, straining during bowel movements, and poor diet. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal Hemorrhoids: These occur inside the rectum and are generally painless, but can bleed during bowel movements.
- External Hemorrhoids: These develop under the skin around the anus and can be painful, itchy, and prone to bleeding.
How Can kegel exercises Help?
kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, involve the contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles are responsible for supporting the uterus, bladder, and bowel. When practiced consistently, kegel exercises can help strengthen these muscles, improve blood circulation, and prevent the development of hemorrhoids. Here are the main benefits of doing kegel exercises for hemorrhoids:
- Improved muscle tone: kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the rectum and anus, preventing the development and worsening of hemorrhoids.
- Better blood circulation: By strengthening the pelvic muscles, kegel exercises can improve blood circulation in the pelvic area, reducing the risk of hemorrhoids and promoting healing.
- Faster recovery: In case of existing hemorrhoids, kegel exercises can speed up the recovery process by enhancing blood flow to the affected area.
- Prevention of future occurrences: Regularly practicing kegel exercises strengthens the pelvic floor, which reduces the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids in the future.
How to Perform kegel exercises
It's essential to perform kegel exercises correctly to yield the desired benefits. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do them:
- Identify the correct muscles: While urinating, try to halt the flow mid-stream. The pelvic floor muscles are the ones engaged while doing so. Repeat a few times to ensure you've identified the right muscles.
- Find a comfortable position: You can do kegel exercises while standing, sitting, or lying down – select a position that you find most comfortable.
- Tighten and hold: Contract your pelvic floor muscles and hold the contraction for 5 seconds. Make sure not to hold your breath or tense other muscles during the exercise.
- Relax and repeat: Release the contraction and relax for 5 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 to 15 times per session.
- Be consistent: Aim for at least three sessions daily. Consistency is crucial to witness improvement in your pelvic health and a reduction in hemorrhoid symptoms.
kegel exercises Hemorrhoids Example:
Imagine a 45-year-old individual who has been experiencing the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. To address the issue, they decide to incorporate kegel exercises into their daily routine. By consistently performing these exercises three times a day, they notice a gradual decrease in their hemorrhoid-related symptoms just after a few weeks. Moreover, the kegel exercises not only alleviate their current symptoms, but they also provide a preventative measure to avoid the recurrence of hemorrhoids in the future.
This concludes our guide on using kegel exercises to relieve and prevent hemorrhoids. Incorporating these simple but effective exercises into your daily routine can improve your pelvic health and help you manage hemorrhoid-related discomfort. If you found this article helpful, please feel free to share it with others who might benefit from this information. Furthermore, explore our other blog posts on Pelvic Floor Therapy to discover more ways to enhance your pelvic health and overall well-being!
