Kegel Exercises: Underused by Women to Treat and Prevent Urinary Incontinence

Prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) before and during pregnancy and postpartum is high, yet consistent Kegel performance, which is used to treat and prevent UI postpartum, is low. Screening for UI is important, and high-quality referrals for treatment are needed. Consistent education is needed for all women. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Women's Health.

"The current study does illustrate the opportunity for changes in practice that improve Kegel's education and performance. Approaches that highlight the role of providers in preventing, identifying, and treating urinary incontinence (UI) may increase rates of Kegel exercise, lower rates of UI, and improve quality of life for women," says Susan Yount, Ph.D., Pelvic Floor Disorders Network, and coauthors.

‘Kegel exercises can decrease the incidence and severity of urinary incontinence. ’

The study investigated how women with urinary incontinence learned about Kegels, and their experience with doing Kegels during pregnancy and up to six months postpartum. Only 25 percent of women with persistent UI postpartum sought care.

"UI risk rises during pregnancy, and Kegels are something a woman could do on her own to help prevent urinary incontinence and as a treatment, if urinary incontinence does occur. Physicians should educate pregnant women on the benefits of Kegels and how to perform them correctly," states Editor-in-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD.



Source: Medindia