Exercises exist that strengthen and improve the voluntary control of the PC muscle in both sexes. Women commonly practice these exercises, called “Kegels” after gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel, after childbirth. Men also practice Kegel exercises to improve their cremaster muscle reflex, which, with practice, causes the penis to rise at will. In fact, Dr. Kegel’s research is so distinct that the PC muscle has another name: the “Kegel muscle”. Kegel exercises for men involve contracting and relaxing the PC muscles as well as the surrounding muscles of the pelvic floor. Besides the voluntary mastering effects of the exercises, such as stronger erections and greater control over ejaculation, strengthening these muscles can result in pain relief...

The idea of Kegel exercises for women is the same as it is for men: to strengthen the PC muscles. Because women are anatomically different from men, the mechanics and execution of the exercises is very different. Physicians often prescribe Kegel exercises to women in order to prepare the pelvic floor for the stresses of the later stages of pregnancy and vaginal childbirth. The exercises are also good for treating vaginal prolapse (a condition where part of the vaginal canal protrudes out of the vaginal opening, resulting from the collapse of the pelvic floor, often after childbirth), and preventing uterine prolapse (similar to vaginal prolapse, but instead of the vaginal canal part of the uterus protrudes from the vaginal opening). Along with...

Here are some of the most popular PC muscle exercise routines: Quickly clench and release the PC muscle repeatedly for 10 seconds; take a 10-second break between the sets. (Sets Required: 3) Clench and release the PC muscle repeatedly for 5 seconds; take a 5-second break between the sets. (Sets Required: 10) Tighten and hold the PC muscle for 30 seconds; take a 30-second break between the sets. Perform this routine (all 3 exercises, all 16 sets) every day for a week. (Sets Required: 3) Clench and hold the PC muscle for 5 seconds; release and repeat with no break in between sets. (Sets Required: 10) Quickly squeeze and relax the PC muscle 10 times; release and repeat with no break in between sets. (Sets Required: 3) Squeeze and relax...

Both men and women have the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle (musculus pubococcygeus); it is a banana-shaped muscle, which extends from the pubic bone to the tailbone and forms the base of the pelvic cavity. Its main functions include supporting the pelvic organs, controlling urine flow, providing proper positioning of a baby’s head during childbirth, and contracting during orgasm. Scientifically, the pubococcygeus begins at the rear of the pubis and the anterior portion of the abturator fascia; it travels back horizontally parallel with the anal canal to the coccyx and sacrum, where it connects. Where the vertebral column ends, at the anus, the two pubococcygei muscles join, forming a broad fibromuscular layer upon the raphé (anococcygeal raphé),...

Generally, PC muscle pain is the sign of an underlying condition. The main source of PC pain in women is a condition known as vaginismus. Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the PC muscle, making entrance to the vaginal cavity impossible. Primary vaginismus occurs when a woman has never been capable of vaginal penetration because of the clamping of the muscles; secondary vaginismus occurs when the woman has previously been capable of vaginal penetration, but for one reason or another is currently experiencing the spasm. There are many causes for secondary vaginismus, including yeast infections, STDs, injury, or trauma during a vaginal delivery, or some sort of psychological cause. While the painful muscle spasm is a very real and physical...

There are many instructional videos on the market today illustrating PC muscle exercises, including the Kegel exercises, for women. Typing in keywords such as “pubococcygeus muscle exercises videos” and “Kegel exercise videos” in any online search engine will bring up a wealth of such films available to purchase, rent, and stream online. Videos are readily available to purchase and cost anywhere from $39.99 to $139.99, and DVD or videocassettes are easy to find. Many Kegel exercise products for women such as the barbells, springs, rubber balls, cones, and Benwa balls come with instructional videos to teach women how to use the devices properly in the privacy of their own homes. When utilizing instructional videos on PC muscle exercises, make...

Both sexes have the PC muscle, but it receives more attention in women. The scientific name of this hammock-shaped muscle is the pubococcygeus muscle, its Latin name musculus pubococcygeus. In women, it stretches from the pubic bone to the coccyx, or the end of the vertebral column, and is the most important muscle of the pelvic floor; it carries out important jobs such as controlling the flow of urine, positioning a baby’s head properly during childbirth, and contracting during sexual intercourse. Even though the common name is singular, “PC muscle”, it is actually a cluster of muscles that form a sling-shaped muscle group, the pubococcygeus muscles. This group of muscles is found in the female and male pelvis, and includes the pelvic...

The scientific name of this hammock-shaped muscle is still the pubococcygeus muscle, its Latin name still musculus pubococcygeus. In men, it stretches from the pubic bone to the coccyx, or the end of the vertebral column, in a figure eight pattern around the genitals. It is the most important muscle of the pelvic floor and it carries out important jobs such as controlling the flow of urine and contracting during sexual intercourse (the jolts and spasms of orgasm are a result of the rapid involuntary contractions of the PC muscle). Even though the common name is singular, “PC muscle”, this is actually a cluster of muscles that form a sling-shaped muscle group, the pubococcygeus muscles. This group of muscles is found in the female and male...