An old exercise that restores muscle tone in women who have just given birth can do wonders for impotent men.

British researchers said pelvic floor exercises or Kegels, named after the South Californian gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel, can help men suffering from impotence, premature ejaculation, and those who "dribble" after urinating - a condition know as urinary incontinence.

"Historically, women have been advised to perform pelvic floor exercises especially before and after childbirth, hysterectomy and the menopause. This research shows that it is equally important for men to maintain the muscle tone and function of their pelvic floors," according to Dr Grace Dorey, a specialist continence physiotherapist at Taunton's Somerset Nuffield Hospital and North Devon District Hospital, and a visiting research fellow at the University of West England, Bristol.

Researchers from the University of West England said 55 men with an average age of 59 were used in the study. All had suffered from impotence for six months or more. Some of the men were asked to make lifestyle changes to reduce impotence such as losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising, and drinking less alcohol, while others were told to do daily pelvic exercises in addition to the above changes.

After three months, the Kegels group showed significant improvement that the lifestyle-only men were told to do the exercises as well. In six months, 40 percent of all the men were cured of impotence and another 35 percent improved significantly.

"Perhaps the most dramatic of Dr Dorey's findings was the improvement resulting from pelvic floor exercises compared to the use of Viagra - the results were the same," reported Rael Martell in NetDoctor.Co.UK.

But that's not all. The UK-based Impotence Association said Kegels may enhance orgasm since they strengthen the muscles around the penis and improve blood supply in that area. Other research has shown that these exercises can also improve urinary incontinence in both men and women.

"To perform Kegels, tightly tense the muscles used to interrupt the flow of urine or the passage of gas, without holding your breath or contracting other muscles. The men in the British study squeezed for 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly relaxed, repeating the exercise about 10 times, twice a day, most days of the week. Done correctly, the exercise should cause the testicles to lift slightly and the base of the penis to move in toward the body; check for those movements in a mirror," said the editors of Consumer Reports.

Dorey believes these exercises should be taught to young males as part of their sex education to spare them from the anguish and anxiety of impotence - a condition that affects millions of men. Perhaps these men should be also be taught that impotence is curable most of the time and anti-impotence pills which have numerous side effects are not the only answer to the problem. One safe and practical remedy is Erectasil, a lotion that works at the source of impotence. With Erectasil, you'll see results in just 60 seconds. For details, visit http://erectasil.com.

About the Author

Jill Stewart is a health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online health news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com.