Pleasure Mechanics

Like other muscles, the muscles of the pelvic floor can be toned and trained. The pelvic muscles can be strengthened over time, and stronger muscles are capable of stronger contractions, so you can experience stronger orgasms.

A regular practice of pelvic clenches will create a more powerful sensation during arousal and climax. Strengthening these muscles is essential for more sexual pleasure and to maintain your sexual health.

You may have heard pelvic clenches be called Kegels, after Dr. Arnold Kegel, who in 1948 wrote about the sexual health benefits of toning the muscles of the pelvic floor.  Clenches are widely endorsed by midwives, doctors, and sex educators alike and are a major practice in the traditions of Tantra and Taoism.

Some describe the Kegel as clenching the muscle you would use to stop the flow of urine. This may be a helpful place to begin finding the muscles of the pelvic floor - but in reality the muscles that start and stops the flow of urine is only one small part of the entire pelvic floor. You can strengthen and tone this entire web of muscles using various exercises for pelvic floor strength. Over time, you'll be able to isolate distinct groups of muscles.

For now, just focus on awakening as much of this musculature as you can identify, and clenching the entire group of muscles together. Begin practicing clenches on your own until they feel effortless. Then try integrating them into lovemaking - clench around your partner's finger or penis. Clenching during arousal is more difficult, but can lead to wonderful peaks of sensation.

Be sure to completely relax after clenching. Relaxation is just as important of a sexual skill: if you can consciously relax muscles as you approach climax, you can prolong your arousal and delay ejaculation, allowing for longer lovemaking and more full body sensation.

Using a vaginal barbell or weighted pelvic exerciser may help you strengthen your pelvic muscles. Barbells provide something to squeeze against, providing a bit of resistance to intensify the benefits of your clenches. But you don't need a tool to get started - just identify your PC muscles and squeeze!

Here is a comparison of two different pelvic exercisers provided to us for review by the good folks at BetterSex.com They offer a whole range of kegel exercisers to support your sexual health

The Isis is a beginner pelvic exerciser, weighing in at just over 2 ounces. The light pink lucite hourglass shape is very friendly for beginners. This light toy won't provide much resistance, but it does give you something to practice clenching around. Just having something inserted will help you feel the movement of the muscles as you clench and release, so you can be sure you are getting effective results from your practice.

Betty Dodson's barbell is much heavier at nearly a pound, and may be better suited to women who already enjoy a regular practice of pelvic clenches. The heft of this toy can't be ignored - once inserted inside, the pelvic muscles begin responding right away just to keep it in place! The ultimate test of your pelvic strength is to stand up, insert this barbell and then try to clench and release without dropping it from the mighty grip of your vaginal muscles. Try to keep this stainless steel barbell firmly gripped while fluttering your pelvic floor muscles.

A regular practice of pelvic clenches, with or without a barbell, will enhance your sexual response and support lifelong sexual health. Enjoy the process of toning your pelvic musculature - many women find that the clenches alone create a very arousing response!