Training with Perifit: Can it benefit my intimate life?

How is pelvic floor muscle function related to improved satisfaction with sex?

The Pelvic Floor muscles are a basket of muscles that sit like a hammock at the bottom of the pelvis. They attach from side to side (sit bone to sit bone), and front to back (pubic bone to tailbone). One of the main functions of the pelvic floor is to aid in sexual response: they help with the rhythmic contraction of orgasm, help keep the clitoris engorged when aroused, and also have to lengthen and soften to allow vaginal or anal penetration. If there are any problems with the muscles doing their job, sex can be painful, not as enjoyable, fear inducing, and can contribute to feelings of disconnect and isolation. The pelvic floor muscles play a large role in a healthy sex life, and it’s so important to make sure they are working properly!

The clitoris is the primary source of sexual pleasure. It has two deep branches that surround the vagina internally. When the pelvic floor is strong and agile, it can perform well-timed contractions to stimulate the clitoris during penetration. This encourages the clitoris to become enlarged and firm (also known as the clitoris’s erection), which in turn helps to increase its stimulation further.

During orgasm, your pelvic floor muscles contract involuntarily and rhythmically.

Kegel exercises focus on proper control, strength, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. Intimate wellbeing can improve when our pelvic floor muscles improve, therefore making sex more pleasurable and fun! Studies show that when there are changes in pelvic floor muscle function, our sexual response follows suit, either positive or negative. For some women, pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, have been shown to improve their sexual satisfaction, especially after having a baby.