pelvic muscle exercise (PMR); Kegel exercises

Introduction

A behavioral technique that requires repetitive active exercise of the pubococcygeus muscle to improve urethral resistance & urinary control by strengthening the periurethral & pelvic muscles.

Indications

• urinary stress incontinence
• urinary urge incontinence
• mild pelvic organ prolapse

Procedure

• Teaching/learning the exercises:
• the muscles used are those pelvic muscles used to stop urinating mid-stream
• breathing in & out while doing the exercises helps to relax abdominal muscles
• Kegel Exercises:
• Squeeze pelvic muscles & hold for 10 seconds
• Relax for 10 seconds
• Repeat, gradually working up to 15 repetitions 3 times/day

These exercises may be practiced sitting, standing or lying down.

• Timing:
  • exercises should be done at times that incontinence occurs, i.e. coughing, laughing, straining, or when a strong urge to urinate occurs

Effects of the exercises should be apparent within a few weeks.

Exercises must be done regularly to be effective.

If abdominal or back pain occurs, the exercises are being done incorrectly.

Biofeedback may help the patient learn to correctly perform the excercises

More general terms

• behavioral technique/intervention