Sexual activity is an essential aspect of human life that brings pleasure and physical benefits to both men and women alike. However, it also has numerous health benefits such as improving one's overall wellbeing, including their mental health. It is a fact that most people do not know about, but regular sexual intercourse could improve your pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for urination control and bowel movements.
The pelvic floor is made up of several layers of muscles, nerves, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. The pelvic floor can be strengthened through various exercises like kegels. Kegels involve tightening and releasing the same set of muscles used during orgasm. These muscles help you hold back your urine flow and maintain fecal continence, meaning they keep your stool inside your body until you poop.
But did you know that regular sex can provide similar benefits? Yes, studies have shown that sexual activity can tone your pelvic floor muscles too! Sexual arousal involves contractions in these muscles, just like when you squeeze them to stop the urine stream midway. According to researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, "sexual intercourse provides a unique form of exercise because it combines both endurance (holding contraction) and resistance training (contraction against increased force)."
So how exactly does sexual activity work on your pelvic floor? During penetrative sex, there is an increase in blood flow to the genitals, which causes your PC (pubococcygeus) muscle to contract repeatedly. This repeated contraction results in the toning of the muscles, making them stronger over time. Additionally, semen contains prostaglandins, which are known to improve blood flow and promote healing. So if you're looking for a natural way to improve your pelvic floor health without having to do Kegel exercises every day, consider enjoying some intimate moments with your partner more often!