- This is repetitive voluntary contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.
- Pelvic floor exercises have been successfully used since the 1940’s for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence.
- An individual treatment programme of pelvic floor exercises is very effective in treating female patients and may be helpful for men following prostate surgery.
- Pelvic floor exercises should be carried out, ideally after digital assessment to identify strength and duration of the contraction of the pelvic floor. Assessment should also exclude prolapse and atrophic vaginitis.
- Pelvic floor exercises should involve maximum effort and include a sustained muscle contraction (6-10 seconds) followed by an equal period of full muscle relaxation. Two to three sets of 10 pelvic floor muscle exercises should be completed each day.
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises can be used in combination with a bladder training programme to assist with bladder rehabilitation.
- The use of the mid stream stop exercise is no longer recommended and should be avoided.
- There are a range of useful apps and YouTube videos available which may support patients doing pelvic floor exercises. Please note some apps may incur a small cost.
Page last reviewed: 31 Jan 2022
