Incontinence, the inability to control bladder or bowel function, affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a source of significant discomfort and embarrassment, impacting daily life and overall well-being. Understanding the common causes of incontinence and exploring effective treatments such as Kegel exercises can help individuals manage and improve their condition.
Common Causes of Incontinence
Incontinence can result from various factors, often related to muscle weakness or damage. Some common causes include:
1. Aging: As we age, the muscles that control bladder and bowel function can weaken, leading to incontinence.
2. Pregnancy and Childbirth: The physical strain of carrying a baby and the process of childbirth can stretch and weaken pelvic floor muscles.
3. Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the strength and elasticity of pelvic muscles.
4. Surgery: Surgical procedures, especially those involving the prostate or gynecologic organs, can damage nerves and muscles, leading to incontinence.
5. Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can interfere with nerve signals to the bladder and bowel, resulting in incontinence.
What Are Kegel Exercises?
Kegel exercises are a series of contractions and relaxations of the pelvic floor muscles, designed to strengthen these muscles. Named after Dr. Arnold Kegel, who first described them in the 1940s, these exercises target the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
To perform Kegel exercises:
1. Identify the right muscles: The easiest way to locate your pelvic floor muscles is to stop urination midstream. These are the muscles you need to strengthen.
2. Contract and hold: Tighten your pelvic floor muscles and hold the contraction for five seconds.
3. Relax: Release the contraction and rest for five seconds.
4. Repeat: Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions each day.
Consistency is key to seeing improvement. Over time, regular Kegel exercises can enhance muscle strength and improve bladder control.
When Is a Good Time To Consider Kegel Exercises?
Incorporating Kegel exercises into your routine can be beneficial at various stages of life and for different health conditions:
1. As You Age:
Muscle tone naturally decreases with age, making Kegel exercises essential for maintaining pelvic floor strength.
2. After Pregnancy:
Postpartum women often experience weakened pelvic floor muscles due to the strain of pregnancy and childbirth. Kegel exercises can help restore muscle tone.
3. After Gynecologic Surgery or Prostate Surgery:
Surgical procedures can compromise pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises aid in recovery by strengthening these muscles and improving function.
What Is Emsella?
While Kegel exercises are effective, some individuals may require additional support to regain full muscle control. Emsella is a breakthrough treatment that offers a non-invasive solution for incontinence. This technology uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate pelvic floor muscles, providing the equivalent of thousands of Kegel exercises in a single session.
Emsella treatment involves sitting on a specially designed chair, which delivers targeted electromagnetic waves to the pelvic floor muscles. The treatment is painless, and most patients report a significant improvement in their incontinence symptoms after a few sessions.
Make an Appointment at Body Measure for Emsella Treatment
If you are struggling with incontinence and traditional Kegel exercises have not provided sufficient relief, consider Emsella treatment at Body Measure. Our kegel chair offers a convenient and effective way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and regain control.
At Body Measure, we are dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the benefits of our innovative Emsella treatment in Winnipeg. Let us help you take the first step toward a more confident and comfortable life.
