Can a Woman Do Too Many Kegels?
Yes, a woman can do too many Kegel exercises. Overdoing Kegels can lead to several negative consequences.
Doing too many Kegels, or performing them incorrectly, can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become excessively tight, leading to various issues. This is supported by multiple sources, including Healthline, which states that overdoing Kegels can cause the pelvic floor to become "too tight or short and develop muscle tension or spasm." Similarly, Nebraska Medicine notes that excessive Kegels can increase muscle tension and pain, potentially worsening existing symptoms.
The Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14611-kegel-exercises) confirms this, explaining that overdoing Kegels can lead to overly tense or tight muscles. Furthermore, Pelvic Exercises highlights that overdoing it can result in fatigued pelvic floor muscles, impacting their proper function. One source even warns that excessive Kegels can cause straining when urinating or moving your bowels.
Other sources emphasize the importance of proper technique and moderation. Overuse can lead to pelvic pain and pain during sex (UVA Health). The Center for Urologic Care (https://www.centerforurologiccare.com/patient-education/kegel-exercises/) also points out that overly tight pelvic floor muscles resulting from too many Kegels can be detrimental.
Signs You Might Be Overdoing Kegels:
- Increased pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Increased muscle tension in the pelvic floor
It's crucial to remember that the goal is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, not to exhaust or overwork them. Moderation and proper technique are key.
