Voluntary vaginal musculature contractions as an enhancer of sexual arousal.

In a study of the effects of vaginal musculature contractions (Kegel's exercises) on both subjective and physiological measures of sexual arousal, 30 normal females were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group was informed about these exercises and was asked to practice them both during lab sessions and during the week intervening between sessions. The second group was informed concerning the effects of Kegel's exercises but did not practice contractions. A control group received no information regarding these exercises. Measures of vaginal vasocongestion and subjective ratings of sexual arousal were obtained during two 31-minute lab sessions. Vaginal contractions enhanced both subjective ratings and physiological measures of arousal. When combined with self-generated fantasy, tensing further augmented arousal. These effects were not further enhanced after 1 week of practice. The present study provides empirical support for the prescription of Kegel's exercises to normal women as an enhancer of sexual arousal. Further study of the effects of Kegel's exercises on a sample of dysfunctional women is necessary to determine the applicability of these results to a clinical population.