Fibroids Raises The Risk Of Stillbirths!

Stillbirths can also be termed as intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Recent study conducted in US stated that women who have fibroids may have higher risk of stillbirths.

Fibroids are the most common problems that occur in 5-20% of the women. Most of the women with fibroids don’t notice any symptoms and don’t even know they have them. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of IUFD in women with fibroids.

The occurrence of IUFD was considerably high in women with fibroid than in the women with no-fibroid even after adjusting for factors including black race, tobacco exposure, chronic hypertension, and pre-gestational diabetes.

Also, the study stated that women who have both fibroids and fetal growth restriction are at two-and-a-half times at higher the risk of having a stillbirth, however the absolute threat remained rare. This can lead to future references for serial growth scans to observe fetal growth in women with fibroids.

Holistic Medicine For Endometriosis!

Most of the women notice excellent results with alternative therapies and natural treatments for endometriosis. Basically, alternative and natural treatments deal with emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of health.

Holistic medicine is connected with mind and body. The practitioners of holistic medicine treat the whole person as opposed to the individual organs where symptoms occur.

Here are the holistic therapies that can help endometriosis:

Herbs for endometriosis:

Herbal medicine treats the disease by using medicinal plants, together internally and externally, to renovate the patient back to health. The therapeutic qualities present in the plants help you to enhance your body’s own recuperative powers.

For treating endometriosis, the first task of herbs is to try and re-balance the hormone levels in the body. Some other herbs help to strengthen your immune system so that the body can then begin to eliminate the disease.

Here are some herbs that can help with endometriosis:

• Vitex berries: This herb balances your estrogen levels. These substances naturally help regulate estrogen which is the cause of endometriosis.


• Burdock root: It helps to treat your liver, which helps clear excess estrogen.


• Red raspberry, wild yam, evening primrose and ginger: These help to reduce bleeding and cramps during your period.


• Castor oil: Applying castor oil packs on the pelvic region can help to reduce the pain.


• Chamomile and lavender oil: Adding drops of these oil in your bath water can help to reduce inflammation.


• Echinacea and vitamin C: These herbs help to boost your immune system.
  

Acupuncture for endometriosis:

Acupuncture is a low risk technique that is very effective in treating pain and symptoms of endometriosis. The treatment of endometriosis with acupuncture usually requires a commitment to enough time to rebalance the body's systems.

If there is pain with the lunar cycle, then treatment must proceed until at least 3 normal cycles are achieved. From this point, it may be possible to use plant medicines with only the occasional acupuncture treatment to control symptoms.

Acupuncture treatments promote the release of endorphins and other “healing” chemicals in the body. These chemicals assist in healing and pain management. Usually, dealing endometriosis with acupuncture usually requires a commitment of enough time to rebalance the body's systems. This will vary from one woman to another, and will be dependent on the severity of the disease.

Homeopathy for endometriosis:

Homeopathy is a healing method of medicine, in which very dilute doses of natural substances (plant, animal, mineral) are administered to a patient to treat symptoms that would be induced in a healthy individual by ingestion of that same substance.

Homeopathy stimulates the body’s own defenses to correct illness and allow symptoms to dissipate. The minute doses of drug substances used in homeopathy do not cause any side effects. Homeopathy can be used for short term (acute) illnesses and long term (chronic) illnesses. For the treatment of Endometriosis, homeopathy treats the individual not the disease.

Aromatherapy for endometriosis:

Aromatherapy is a healing method that uses the natural aromatic characteristics of plants - the essential oils - both for their scent and for their inherent medicinal properties. These aromatic oils can be found in a wide range of species and are extracted from the seeds, bark, leaves, flowers, wood, roots or resin according to the type of plant.

Aromatherapy can help most of the individual areas of dealing for Endometriosis. The chemical characteristics of singular essential oils can help digestion, aid with sleep problems, improve your immune system, maintain the reproductive system, help re-balance the hormone system, and lots of other subtle benefits.

7 Self-care Tips For Bad Vaginal Odor!

An imbalance in the types of bacteria that are naturally found in a woman’s vagina leads to the foul smelling vaginal discharge.

During normal conditions, there are different types of bacteria present in your vagina.

The main symptom of this condition is abnormal vaginal discharge that tends to have an unpleasant odor.

Foul smelling vaginal odor can also be due to a sexually transmitted disease such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection.

Here are few self-care tips that help to reduce abnormal vaginal odor:

1. The fabric you use:

You should wear cotton panties. Cotton panties help to keep your vaginal area dry and allow air to pass through. When the vaginal area is dry, then there is a less chance for occurring the foul odor.

If you wear synthetic fabrics, they can trap the moisture in and promote odor by allowing the bacteria to develop that can lead to foul odor and infections.

2. Douche or not to douche:

Usually, douching affects the natural pH balance within your vagina. Frequent douching kills the healthy bacteria that can help in fighting against unhealthy bacteria, which cause infections. So, it is better to wash your vagina by using unscented, gentle soap and water.

3. Use panty liners:

Panty liners can help to absorb the moisture at your vaginal area. You will find them in scented and unscented forms and they greatly help you to stay dry and also odor free. As they are smaller in size, they do not cause any discomfort.

These small, discrete pads fit snugly right inside your panties. You can wear them anytime of the month and they simply help absorb any excess moisture. If you have fishy vaginal odor, you can use scented pads.

4. Holy hygiene:

Bad hygiene is the great cause of vaginal odors. So, daily bathing and washing your vagina twice a day can prevent the vaginal odor. Even you skip these for one day; it can lead to bad odor. Most of the women can get sweat in their groin area. It is also a major cause of vaginal odor. So, you should wipe this sweat daily to prevent vaginal odor.

5. Period perils:

Period is the most discomfortable time for every woman. The odor that comes along with the period can make the existing vaginal odor even worse. So, to prevent this from occurring, you should wash the vaginal area twice a day and change the pads or tampons regularly.

6. Chemical hygiene products:

Actually, using chemical sprays and scented hygiene products can lead to bad vaginal odors. Some chemical products cause itching or irritation around the vaginal area and also to the mucus membranes. Using these products can kill the healthy bacteria in your vagina and make it more prone to infections.

7. Check for bad vaginal smells:

You should know that bad vaginal smells can also be due to a condition like bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms of this condition include: a gray or white thin vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor, itching or burning sensation. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately consult your doctor.

Vaginal odor is a problem that plagues countless women and can reoccur every few months. There are effective treatments for the condition that don't just mask the odor, they actually treat the problem and eliminate it.


5 Alternative Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection!

Urinary tract infection occurs when the microorganism invades your bladder or urethra that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body.

Finally, it leads to burning or pain during urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine and lower back pain.
Proper sanitation and drinking lots of fluids are very much essential for preventing urinary tract infection.

Here are alternative medicine choices for treating urinary tract infection:

1. Juice therapy for treating urinary tract infection:

Drinking lots of fluids can help to flush out the bacteria that lead to urinary tract infection. Some fluids are even better than the others. For example, cranberry juice is probably the best, because it helps prevent bacteria from anchoring to bladder walls. It is best to take real cranberry juice, but not cranberry juice cocktails. This juice is rich in vitamin C and quinolic acid, which help to prevent UTI.

If you won’t find real cranberry juice, you can get cranberry juice concentrate, which you can mix with water. Researchers suggested that drinking 16 ounces of cranberry juice a day can help to prevent the problem. To get delicious taste, you can mix it with some fresh apple juice.

2. Aromatherapy for treating urinary tract infection:

Make essential oil by mixing equal parts of tea tree, juniper, sandalwood, frankincense, and bergamot. Thoroughly mix all these ingredients and apply over your bladder area and rub. Continue rubbing with this mixture for 3-4 days until the symptoms will subside.

3. Vitamin C to prevent urinary tract infection:

Daily intake of vitamin C in your diet will increase the acidity content of the urine and prevent bacterial growth. Women who are suffering from urinary tract infection, a daily intake of 1000mg of Vitamin C can prevent the disease from reoccurring.

4. Herbal remedies for treating urinary tract infection:

Herbal remedies such as goldenseal root, uva ursi and Echinacea when consumed three to four times a day can help to prevent urinary tract infection. Goldenseal root is a power antimicrobial agent, when consumed in the form of tea made from 1 tsp of dried herb per cup of hot water or as a tincture or in capsule form can help to prevent UTI.

Uva ursi is a powerful antiseptic agent that has soothing and strengthening properties. You can drink it in the form of tea or take as a tincture.

Echinacea contains substances that can help to fight infections such as UTI. You can drink Echinacea in the form of tea once a day or in the form of capsule once a day.

Some other herbs that help to prevent UTI include:

• Marshmallow root: It is a soothing agent.
• Corn silk: A soothing diuretic
• Usnea Lichen: It has wonderful soothing and antiseptic properties.
• Buchu: It is a soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system.
• Usnea Lichen: It is an antiseptic and soothing agent.
• Horsetail: It is an astringent and mild diuretic with tissue healing properties.

These herbs don’t cause any side effects when used at the suggested doses. But very rarely they can cause mild headache and stomach upset.

5. Homeopathic remedies for urinary tract infection:

You should consult a trained homeopathic practitioner to prescribe a deep acting and constitutional remedy. Do not take any remedy longer than a day or two without consulting a homeopathic practitioner. Here are some homeopathic remedies often prescribed for UTI:

• Sarsasparilla: Helps to relieve pain that comes after urination has stopped.
• Cantharis: For treating frequent urination that is associated with burning sensation.
• Staphysagria: Helps to treat UTI that is the result of sexual intercourse.
• Apis mellifica: Helps to treat stinging pain that becomes more severe with heat.

6 Essential FAQs About Endometrial Cancer!

Endometrial cancer is the cancer that develops in the tissue lining the uterus.

Most of the endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas, a cancer that begin in cells that make release mucus and other fluids.

This is one of the most common cancers in American women.

Sometimes, endometrial cancer can also be referred as uterine cancer, however there are various other cells in your uterus that can become cancerous, such as myometrial and muscle cells.

Endometrial cancer can be detected very easily, because it causes vaginal bleeding in between your menstrual periods or even after the menopause. If the cancer is detected early, surgical removal of uterus can eliminate the cancer completely.

1. What causes endometrial cancer?

Usually, healthy cells can grow and divide in an orderly manner for proper functioning of your body. But, sometimes, these cells become mutate and grow out of control. The process of cell division continues even it is not necessary. Sometimes, these abnormal cells can become infected and destroy nearby tissues. They also spread to various other body parts and start going there.

The main reason for the growth of these cells is still unknown, but researchers believe that abnormal levels of estrogen play a role in the development of endometrial cancer.

2. What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?

Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing endometrial cancer. The first sign to observe is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Here are symptoms of endometrial cancer that you experience:

• Pelvic pain


• Bleeding after menopause


• Pain during intercourse


• Unexpected weight loss


• Prolonged or bleeding between the menstrual periods


• Abnormal and nonbloody discharge from the vagina


• Difficult or painful urination
  

3. What are the risk factors of endometrial cancer?

Usually, women produce two hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Each month, the balance between these two hormones alters. If the balance slightly changes and causes more estrogen production, then it stimulates the growth of the endometrium, which is a major cause to develop endometrial cancer.

Here are some risk factors for endometrial cancer:

• Menstruation for too many years –That is menstruation started before the age of 12 or menopause began too late.


• Not having been pregnant


• Obesity


• Irregular ovulation


• Diabetes


• Consuming high fat diet


• Estrogen replacement therapy


• Ovarian tumors


• Women older than 55 years


• Race – Black women are at greater risk of developing endometrial cancer


• History of breast and ovarian cancers
  

4. How to diagnose endometrial cancer?

Your doctor will perform a physical and pelvic examination. If your doctor feels any lumps or alterations in the uterus size, then there can be a problem. Here are various tests performed to detect endometrial cancer:

Endometrial biopsy: During this procedure a cell sample or tissue from uterine lining is taken from inside of your uterus for laboratory analysis.

Pap smear: A cell sample from your cervix is taken for observation. Usually pap smear is performed to detect cervical cancer.

Transvaginal ultrasound: This test helps to observe the lining and thickness of the endometrium, by inserting a transducer into your vagina.

Dilation and curettage: During the procedure, tissue is scraped from the lining of your uterus and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

You will need to undergo some more tests, to detect cancer in other parts of the body. They include: chest X-ray, CT scan and blood test.

5. How does the condition treated?

Surgery is the most common treatment. Your doctor recommends either surgical removal of the uterus or surgical removal of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Also, it is essential to remove lymph nodes including other tissue samples.

If you have severe form of endometrial cancer or cancer that spread to various other body parts, then you need to undergo more treatments. They include: radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

6. How to prevent the condition?

Most of this cancer cases can’t be prevented, but there are certain ways that decrease the risk of developing the cancer.

Usage of birth control pills – Women who take oral contraceptives for longer years are at decreased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Undergoing hormone therapy along with progesterone – As estrogen stimulates cancer growth, taking progestine can cause the lining of the uterus to shed. This type of combination therapy lowers your risks, but not all the effects of hormone therapy are positive.

Maintain balanced weight – As obesity is one of the most common risk factors of endometrial cancer, maintaining healthy weight can decrease your risk.

Exercising – Women who exercise everyday are at half the risk of developing endometrial cancer than women who do not exercise.

8 Most Common Causes Of Yeast Infection!

Yeast is a fungus i.e. scientifically called as candida.

The type of fungus i.e. most commonly responsible for yeast infection is candida albicans.

Normally, yeast is found on our skin and in areas of moisture such as vagina and mouth.

Researches showed that 20-50% of women carry yeast in their vagina.

There is treatment readily available for yeast infection, both over-the-counter and also alternative and drug-free treatments.

There are various causes result in yeast infection, they include:

1. Douching

All the healthy women have bacteria and various other organisms in the vagina. These organisms and the normal acidity of the vagina prevent overgrowth of some specific organisms thus leading to begin symptoms of vaginal infection.

Douching upsets the normal environment of the vagina thus leading to inflammation and imbalances in the organisms of the vagina. Often, this condition leads to symptoms like discomfort and chronic vaginal discharge.

So, you should avoid douching unless it is prescribed by your doctor. Every woman’s body has the natural ability to clean the vaginal canal. Douching won’t give you any health benefits and it actually worsens your vaginal symptoms.

2. Medications that contain steroids

Steroid medications are strongly correlated with increase candida yeast infection rates. These medications increase glucose levels in the blood.

Increase in sugar levels can change natural environment of the vagina thus increasing yeast proliferation levels. So, only use steroids when they are prescribed by your doctor.

3. Usage of antibiotics

Usage of antibiotics can alter the delicate balance of your vagina and suppress some of the good bacteria that put yeast infection under control. Whenever the good bacteria are suppressed, yeast levels rapidly increase and lead to infection.

If you are using any antibiotics, it is better to talk to your doctor to know the best course of treatment.

4. Risk of diabetes or having high blood sugar levels

Diabetics are at higher risk of contracting yeast infection. Increase in blood sugar levels multiplies the yeast bacteria thus leading to yeast infection. Sugars such as glucose and glycogen provide basis for yeast to grow. Sometimes, having yeast infection means that your diabetes is not under control.

5. Birth control pills or any other forms of hormonal contraceptives

Usage of birth control pills can cause cervical changes and increased vaginal discharge. You seem to have either or both of them. So, it is better to choose birth control pills that have lower levels of hormones.

6. Regularly wearing tight pants or pantyhose

Wearing tight pants make it hard for your body to breathe. It is very difficult for the areas like mouth and vagina. If you already have yeast infection, it will become further irritated by wearing tight, synthetic undies, stockings, pants, etc.

7. Menstrual cycle

Menstrual cycle keeps you at higher risk of yeast infection because at this time hormonal changes are greater, which disturbs good bacteria at the vaginal area making the infection more severe.

8. Pregnancy

Pregnancy can greatly trigger the yeast infection other than normal conditions. Particularly during the second trimester, you will notice an increased amount of thick, white and odd smelling discharge.

Pregnancy is the period for hormonal changes, so it is difficult for your body to maintain the normal chemical changes at the vaginal area thus causing an imbalance, which results in too much fungus.

What Your Ovarian Cyst Type Is?

Ovarian cyst is one of the most common conditions that occur in women.

First you should know what an ovarian cyst means. Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs or cysts, which are found to occur either on the walls of the ovaries or inside them.

Usually, ovarian cysts won’t pose any health problem, but rarely they can cause serious concerns.

These cysts usually disappear on their own. As they are asymptomatic, most of you can not notice their presence.

Ovarian cysts can not remain completely harmless and sometimes these cysts can lead to more serious and dangerous complications. Some cysts can be stubborn, instead of disappearing on their own, they continue to grow.

They increase in the size, become more complex in nature and cause very serious problems such as cancer.

Till now it is not clearly known what leads to ovarian cyst. Various factors can lead to the growth of ovarian cysts.

Disturbance in your normal menstrual cycle is the most common problem for the formation of ovarian cysts. Menstrual cycle is a regular psychological process in which an egg is formed, developed and released. During this process, ovaries produce follicles or certain cyst like structures to aid the complete process.

These follicles are responsible for the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which are important to control the process and to bring on a release of unfertilized egg.

Sometimes, this whole process can be triggered by certain conditions such as hormonal imbalance, side effects of certain medications or prolonged sickness. This can cause the follicles to function abnormally and finally becomes into a functional ovarian cyst.

Basically there are two types of ovarian cysts. One is functional ovarian cysts and the other is complex ovarian cysts.

Functional ovarian cysts:

Again these cysts are of two types.

1. Follicular cyst: During the menstrual period, the production of luteinizing hormone is high and also there is increased functioning of this hormone. This hormone is essential for the release of egg. If the production of luteinizing hormone is less than normal, it affects the usual functioning of ovarian follicles. They won’t rupture and turn into follicular cysts.

Follicular cysts are most common and they are not serious. Usually, they cause little discomfort or pain and disappear on their own.

2. Ovarian cysts: These types of ovarian cysts develop after the production of luteinizing hormone and after the release of egg. These ovarian cysts are more serious. After the release of egg, ruptured follicles start producing abnormal quantities of hormones estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to corpus luteum or white body.

Sometimes, the mouth of the opening that is left behind by the egg becomes sealed off thus leading to fluid buildup inside the white body and finally becoming cysts.

These cysts can also disappear on their own, but sometimes they continue and grow larger. In some conditions, the ovary can twist and causing strong pain around the pelvis and abdomen.

Complex ovarian cysts:

These are the most serious form of ovarian cysts and are more dangerous. These cysts occur in very rare conditions. These types of cysts contain both liquid and solid components. They are of three types.

Dermoid cysts: These cysts are made from the same cells from which the egg grows

Cystadenomas: They are made of ovarian tissue and are filled with mucus

Endometrioma: These cysts develop due to endometriosis and made of uterine tissue

You can detect these ovarian cysts on your own or with the help of regular test procedures. Consult your doctor if you notice any of its symptoms.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Irregular periods!

Are your periods irregular or missed? Almost all women have between 11 and 13 menstrual cycles each year.

Usually, periods are irregular in some women for few years after menstruation starts.

It takes few years for the hormones that control menstruation to reach balance.

Sometimes, periods are irregular when you are near to menopause stage.

The most common causes for irregular periods are pregnancy, miscarriage or recent child birth. If you are not pregnant, the other causes for irregular periods include:

Breast feeding: After pregnancy, breast feeding is the most common cause for irregular periods. Most women can not have their periods regular until they stop breastfeeding.

Hormonal problems: Changes in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for menstruation can lead to irregular periods.

Health issues: Problems with your pelvic organs such as PCOS, imperforate hymen or Asherman’s syndrome.

Eating disorders: Bulimia or anorexia can cause irregular periods.

Usage of medications: Medicines such as hormonal birth control methods can cause lighter, more frequent, less frequent, skipped or no periods at all.

Increased physical activity: Doing strenuous exercises can cause irregular periods. Athletes most commonly experience irregular periods.

Excess weight gain or loss: Usually obesity is the most common cause for irregular periods and low body weight can also be cause.

Stress: This is also the most common cause of irregular periods. If you are worried, fatigued or anxious, hormones become unbalanced.

Diet: Poor diet can greatly affect your hormones and thus resulting in missed periods.

Other causes, which can lead to irregular periods include: irregular usage of drugs, travel, break in usual routine, and illness like thyroid conditions.

Usually, irregular periods are of two types. One is long-term irregularity and the other is sudden or short-term irregularity.

Long-term irregularity: Sometimes menstrual bleeding can last for several days. You can experience excessive bleeding for the entire month. If you have severe pain and prolonged periods, it is better to consult your gynecologist.

Sudden or short-term irregularity: This is due to various causes that are listed above. These irregularities are generally one off or sporadic occurrence. Usually, this is not cause of concern unless you experience any pain.

For most women, irregular periods are not a concern. If you experience irregular periods for a year, have severe cramping, heavy menstrual bleeding, nausea, dizziness, you should visit your doctor. Other risk factors that can cause irregular periods include:

Inflammatory bowel syndrome: Bowel disorders can cause inflammation of lower intestines, which again lead to period irregularity. Sometimes, it is accompanied by abdominal pain, weight loss, or diarrhea.

PCOS: 10% of women have PCOS in their lifetime. PCOS leads to the growth of cysts on your ovaries and disturbs ovulation. If PCOS left untreated, it can lead to severe complications like ovarian cancer, heart disease and endometriosis.

You will find few treatments that help in regulating your menstrual periods. They include:

Hormonal supplements: If you have high levels of testosterone hormone, usage of hormonal supplements can regulate your periods.

Hormonal contraceptives: You will find hormonal contraceptives in various forms such as oral, ring, patch, or injectable forms.

Find Out The Causes Of PMS!

Do you experience mood swings before your period start? Do you feel irritable, tired, and just don’t seem to have any patience?

Do these changes in your demeanor affect the people around you? If your answer is YES to any of these questions, then you might be suffering from a menstrual condition known as PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

It is estimated that three out of every four women who are menstruating can experience the problem of premenstrual syndrome.

These problems are more common in women between their late 20s and early 40s.

Exactly, the cause of premenstrual syndrome is still unknown. However, various factors can trigger the condition of PMS.

The most common cause for PMS is hormonal changes during menstrual period. Generally, ovaries make two hormones at this period, one is estrogen and the other is progesterone.

Estrogen is produced by the ovaries throughout the entire menstrual cycle and reaches it higher levels at second and third week and again declines during the last week. In the last two weeks of menstrual cycle, ovaries can also produce progesterone. These last two weeks of the cycle is called as luteal phase.

The hormones both estrogen and progesterone are responsible for preparing your womb to accept a fertilized egg and they also affect your mood.

How do hormonal changes influence premenstrual syndrome?

Estrogen and progesterone can greatly alter the brain chemicals called as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters that are most commonly affected are:

Endorphins: Endorphins play a major role in experiencing pain and pleasure. These two hormones can greatly alter endorphin levels.

Serotonin: PMS causes variations in serotonin levels thus triggering depression and carbohydrate cravings. Serotonin is produced by your body from amino acid tryptophan.

Norepinephrine: This chemical can also trigger your mood and also play a great role in monitoring heart rate and blood pressure.

GABA: Called as gamma-aminobutyric acid is essential for feeling calm.

Could vitamin and mineral imbalances trigger PMS?

Studies showed that low levels of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and calcium can trigger premenstrual syndrome. Magnesium and calcium are responsible for blood vessel opening or closing and nerve cell communication. These functions may be involved in PMS symptoms.

Low levels of vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin E can play a great role in PMS.

Could diet trigger PMS?

Eating salty foods can cause fluid retention. Drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can trigger mood and energy levels.

Higher stress levels can also make your PMS symptoms become worse.

Kegel Exercises For Urinary Incontinence!

Kegel exercises mainly strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your uterus, bladder and bowel.

Doing kegel exercises regularly to keep the pelvic floor muscles strong can help to reduce the risk of incontinence and other similar problems as you get older.

But, learning how to do the kegel exercises is somewhat tricky. It is difficult to know whether you are working on correct muscles or not.

Various conditions can cause stress on your pelvic floor muscles, such as:

• Aging


• Being overweight


• Childbirth


• Chronic cough


• Pregnancy


• Genetic predisposition to weak connective tissue

When your pelvic floor muscles become weak, the pelvic organs fall down and bulge into the vagina, which is called as pelvic organ prolapse. The symptoms can range from uncomfortable pelvic pressure to leakage of urine or feces.

Doing the kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and delay or prevent pelvic organ prolapse.

Kegel exercises are particularly important during your pregnancy. Strong pelvic floor muscles make you feel more comfortable when you are near to the due date.

So here is how to do the kegel exercises:

Identifying pelvic floor muscles need lot of attention. Here is how to identify the pelvic floor muscle:

Do you know how to contract the pelvic floor muscles? There is nothing difficult, just try to stop the passage of urine when you are going to the bathroom. If you succeed in stopping the urine, you have got the basic move.

You can also try another method: put your finger in the vagina and attempt to contract the surrounding muscles. Then you will feel that your vagina becomes tight and the pelvic floor move somewhat upward. Then try to relax the muscle and let the pelvic floor move downward.

But, don’t make a habit of starting and stopping the urine flow. Practicing kegel exercises with a full bladder or while emptying the bladder makes pelvic muscles weak. It leads to incomplete emptying of your bladder thus increasing the threat of urinary tract infection.

After identifying the correct pelvic floor muscles, pass the urine and lie or sit down. Then gently squeeze your pelvic floor muscles. Hold the muscles for at least 3 seconds and relax. Repeat it for 10-15 times.

In order to get the maximum benefits, only concentrate on tightening the pelvic floor muscles. But don’t flex the muscles in thighs, buttocks or abdomen and also don’t hold the breath. Do the kegel exercises three times a day.

How kegel exercises are beneficial?

• Strong muscles make the childbirth process easy.


• Strong muscles prevent pelvic organ prolapse.


• Sexual enjoyment is enhanced for you and your partner.


• Strong muscles prevent leakage of urine when you cough or sneeze.