Pelvic Floor Disorder Specialist
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD FACOG
Urogynecologist located in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD specializes in the diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse for patients in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding Arizona areas. Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises or Kegel exercises are one of the first things that can be done to manage and prevent the worsening of these conditions.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Q&A
What are Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegels)?
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegels) are exercises that can be done to strengthen the pelvic floor. They are often called Kegel muscle exercises, or Kegels. They can help reduce urinary leakage, have better bladder control, and help with the milder stages of pelvic organ prolapse.
How are Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises performed?
Like any other exercise, it is important to do them regularly and correctly. These are the same muscles that are used to stop urination midstream or the same muscle used to prevent gas from escaping the rectum. One of the most difficult things with these exercises is knowing whether or not you’re doing them correctly. These are some ways to know if you’re doing them correctly:
- Use a hand mirror. You should see the perineum (the area between the vagina and rectum) lift up when you contract these muscles.
- While laying down, place one finger in the vagina. You should feel your finger lifted and squeezed when doing these exercises correctly.
Here are some ways to know that you are not doing them correctly
- If you’re visibly moving when doing these pelvic floor muscle exercises, you are not doing them correctly. No one should be able to know that you’re doing these exercises.
- If you’re contracting your butt muscles then you’re not likely doing them correctly
How often should I be doing these exercises?
Dr. Stone recommends the following routine.
- 3-second squeeze followed by a 3-second relaxation
- 10 repetitions of this, 3 times a day
- Try holding the squeeze one second longer each week until you are holding a 10-second squeeze
When should I expect to see results?
Results are slow and gradual but many women start to see results within a few weeks.
Testimonials
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
We accept most insurance policies for your convenience. Please contact your insurance carrier to verify your individual benefits and any copays or coinsurance that are part of your plan. Patients are responsible for notifying our office if a specific plan requires precertification, preauthorization, or a referral (especially HMOs). Please call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to verify your provider network participation as insurance carriers change policies often.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stone today
One of our staff members will contact you directly. If you have any concerns requiring immediate attention, please don’t hesitate to call us at 602-788-1521.
Office location
Valley Urogynecology Associates
Phoenix, Arizona 85016-1302
Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM
Main: (602) 788-1521
Fax: (602) 688-5420
Conveniently located just off Highway 51 on Maryland Avenue just East of 16th Street between East Bethany Home Road and East Glendale Avenue.