Morality of this exercise?

[RestlessUntil]

Hi, I’ve sought help on this topic before, but never got a satisfactory answer. Here goes:

There’s this exercise called a kegel that women primarily do, but can be performed by men also. You clench and unclench the muscle that is used to stop urination. This same muscle is used in sexual relations so by performing the exercise a man is able to help overcome premature climax.

I’m a man and I used to do this exercise on a regular basis and found that it worked. However, I found it to be borderline stimulating. So I stopped because I was concerned it could be considered a type of masterbation performed outside the context of intimacy with my wife. Do you think it was/would be masterbation?

I am married and think restarting the exercise would be beneficial to me and my wife, but I would like to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from other Carholics first. Thanks.

 

[ahs]

First you need to know what masturbation is, and what masturbation isn’t.

From the Catechism:
2352 By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. "Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action."137 “The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose.” For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of "the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved."138

You are the only person that knows if you are doing this strictly for training…to prolong your marital act with your spouse…or if you are doing this for sexual pleasure outside the marital embrace. You also should be aware of the temptations that can develop over time, where you may start doing this for pleasure rather than out of necessity.

I’d recommend talking to your Priest to get his advice.

 

[passer_by]

Hi, I’ve sought help on this topic before, but never got a satisfactory answer. Here goes:

There’s this exercise called a kegel that women primarily do, but can be performed by men also. You clench and unclench the muscle that is used to stop urination. This same muscle is used in sexual relations so by performing the exercise a man is able to help overcome premature climax.

I’m a man and I used to do this exercise on a regular basis and found that it worked. However, I found it to be borderline stimulating. So I stopped because I was concerned it could be considered a type of masterbation performed outside the context of intimacy with my wife. Do you think it was/would be masterbation?

I am married and think restarting the exercise would be beneficial to me and my wife, but I would like to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from other Carholics first. Thanks.

IF you do get sexually aroused or receive sexual pleasure in doing this exercise, then you have a moral obligation to avoid it. It is immoral to seek sexual pleasure outside of intercourse with ones spouse.

Something to also consider is that this sexual arousal can happen anytime you engage in this exercise which due to Concupiscence could lead to many other sins. So there is the issue of putting yourself in a near occasion of sin as well.

Also, the act classified as Masturbation cannot be performed even in intimacy with ones spouse. Perhaps you are referring merely to sexual stimulation here by Masturbation in which case it is ok with ones spouse.

Something else is, you might want to look in to the scientific research behind the result too to make sure its something authentic.

 

[asia53]

Something else is, you might want to look in to the scientific research behind the result too to make sure its something authentic.

It’s authentic. I do the Kegel exercises for women on the recommendation of my Doctor for involuntary urine leakage. Whenever I cough, or sneeze, I’d have a problem. The exercises work, and will prevent a far more serious problem later in life.

I have never found them to be sexually stimulating. Maybe, it’s different for men.

I agree with ahs, talk to your priest.

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi, I’ve sought help on this topic before, but never got a satisfactory answer. Here goes:

There’s this exercise called a kegel that women primarily do, but can be performed by men also. You clench and unclench the muscle that is used to stop urination. This same muscle is used in sexual relations so by performing the exercise a man is able to help overcome premature climax.

.

to even imagine this could in any way shape or form be sinful is ridiculous, It is a therapeutic measure, that is like saying any pleasure at all is sinful. If I am having my hair done and it feels good does that make it sinful? If getting therapy for my arthritis feels good is that sinful? what a bunch of hooey, takes scrupulous to a whole new level.

Breastfeeding also happens to activitate the same nerves that transmit pleasure that may happen in the context of sexual touching, does that make breastfeeding sinful?

 

[passer_by]

to even imagine this could in any way shape or form be sinful is ridiculous, It is a therapeutic measure, that is like saying any pleasure at all is sinful. If I am having my hair done and it feels good does that make it sinful? If getting therapy for my arthritis feels good is that sinful? what a bunch of hooey, takes scrupulous to a whole new level.

Breastfeeding also happens to activitate the same nerves that transmit pleasure that may happen in the context of sexual touching, does that make breastfeeding sinful?

Its the first time I heard women get a sexual kick out of breast feeding. If I understand properly, soon after child birth, women are usually less reactive to sexual stimuli. So I am not sure about the merits of the claim

Second, its not scrupulosity at all. IF it is not a grave necessity, then to put oneself in occasion of sin is a sin. If you actually have a urine problem this is a different matter. But doing it for the sake of pro-longing sex is a different matter.

After all, you can’t masturbate for therapeutic reasons, right?

So the answer might still be that it is moral. But it is no way obvious as you put it and I think the poster was doing well in investigating.

 

[mom2em]

Its the first time I heard women get a sexual kick out of breast feeding. If I understand properly, soon after child birth, women are usually less reactive to sexual stimuli. So I am not sure about the merits of the claim

I haven’t much to say … but what puzzleannie says is true.

“Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates ejection of milk from the nipples, and its release is triggered by breast stimulation. Oxytocin is also involved in other physiological processes, notably it is involved in contractions of the uterus during childbirth and during orgasm, and it is thought to be responsible for feelings of relaxation and satiation following orgasm.”

I heard of it myself back before my daughter was born, and that was only a mere four years ago. Breastfeeding didn’t work out for my daughter and I as the demand was MUCH more than the supply so I can’t comment much further other than what I’ve heard/read from other mothers.

It’s not a “kick” so much as you say, but just … a reaction. And one can’t really not feed their child.

But then like everything now, it can be turned in any which way you’d like it to be.

 

[mom2em]

Consequently, this is the first time, I’d heard of kegels recommend for me I do believe. I know it’s recommended to women after giving birth to tighten their muscles (to help with that ‘urine problem.’) One learns something every day.

But I’m with Ahs and Asia, if it troubles you so, that you bring it up here, speak with your priest.

 

[passer_by]

I haven’t much to say … but what puzzleannie says is true.

“Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates ejection of milk from the nipples, and its release is triggered by breast stimulation. Oxytocin is also involved in other physiological processes, notably it is involved in contractions of the uterus during childbirth and during orgasm, and it is thought to be responsible for feelings of relaxation and satiation following orgasm.”

I heard of it myself back before my daughter was born, and that was only a mere four years ago. Breastfeeding didn’t work out for my daughter and I as the demand was MUCH more than the supply so I can’t comment much further other than what I’ve heard/read from other mothers.

It’s not a “kick” so much as you say, but just … a reaction. And one can’t really not feed their child.

But then like everything now, it can be turned in any which way you’d like it to be.

A reaction, yes. But it is no way sexual. Therefore I think puzzleannies objection along those lines is not correct.

Even if it was sexual (I honestly don’t think it is but assuming for the sake of argument), since feeding the baby is a necessity and a moral obligation, I would think the matter is irrelevant anyway.

Prolonging sexual intercourse however is not a necessity and there is no moral obligation for that. In that sense, the OP is right to raise the question about it.

 

[asia53]

Even if it was sexual (I honestly don’t think it is but assuming for the sake of argument), since feeding the baby is a necessity and a moral obligation, I would think the matter is irrelevant anyway.

Breastfeeding can be a sexually stimulating activity for some women. I’ve heard this from friends who breastfed their babies. As a nurse, I’ve heard this from several patients. Puzzleannie is right on target.

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

Hi, I’ve sought help on this topic before, but never got a satisfactory answer. Here goes:

There’s this exercise called a kegel that women primarily do, but can be performed by men also. You clench and unclench the muscle that is used to stop urination. This same muscle is used in sexual relations so by performing the exercise a man is able to help overcome premature climax.

I’m a man and I used to do this exercise on a regular basis and found that it worked. However, I found it to be borderline stimulating. So I stopped because I was concerned it could be considered a type of masterbation performed outside the context of intimacy with my wife. Do you think it was/would be masterbation?

I am married and think restarting the exercise would be beneficial to me and my wife, but I would like to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from other Carholics first. Thanks.

Your last sentence gave the reason why not only is not immoral but also good.

 

[passer_by]

Breastfeeding can be a sexually stimulating activity for some women. I’ve heard this from friends who breastfed their babies. As a nurse, I’ve heard this from several patients. Puzzleannie is right on target.

Is there actual scientific work on this or is this just anecdotal evidence from you and Puzzeannie?

But even if that were the case, you do realize that I address the issue in my previous post anyway and went on to show that it would not change the fact that the OP was right in asking.

 

[Leegal]

Hi, I’ve sought help on this topic before, but never got a satisfactory answer. Here goes:

There’s this exercise called a kegel that women primarily do, but can be performed by men also. You clench and unclench the muscle that is used to stop urination. This same muscle is used in sexual relations so by performing the exercise a man is able to help overcome premature climax.

I’m a man and I used to do this exercise on a regular basis and found that it worked. However, I found it to be borderline stimulating. So I stopped because I was concerned it could be considered a type of masterbation performed outside the context of intimacy with my wife. Do you think it was/would be masterbation?

I am married and think restarting the exercise would be beneficial to me and my wife, but I would like to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from other Carholics first. Thanks.

The Kegel is also used to prevent urinary incontinence, especially in women. Yes, it can be mildly stimulating. However, I think for your reasons the exercise is justified if you do not masturbate. I don’t see the exercise as masturbatory, unless that becomes your objective.

You can check with a priest.

 

[mom2em]

Is there actual scientific work on this or is this just anecdotal evidence from you and Puzzeannie?

I don’t believe it to anecdotal at all. Forgive me if I am being forward or rude, but are you male? Or a woman without a child? Tried breastfeeding?

It’s not something that happens to ALL mothers. But it is something that does happen and something A LOT of new mothers who hope to breastfeed are concerned with.

A quick google search, which will bring up some things that are just putting the two words together, will give you quite a few posts from mothers with concerns about the issue. Who are embarrassed or worried about it. It will also give you results from lactation consultants who tell mothers, this is a normal reaction due to hormones.

But like I said, that’s not the point of this thread. What Puzzleannie and Asia have said is true.

That all said, have a wonderful peaceful Sunday! Thank the Lord! It’s a lovely day here.

 

[mom2em]

The Kegel is also used to prevent urinary incontinence, especially in women. Yes, it can be mildly stimulating. However, I think for your reasons the exercise is justified if you do not masturbate. I don’t see the exercise as masturbatory, unless that becomes your objective.

You can check with a priest.

Yes, especially after child birth. I remember my family doctor and my OB both suggesting them after I had my daughter. hehe not that it helped matters. I sneeze and I’m DOOMED!

I agree, if in doubt, seek counsel with your priest! They certainly can give a more helpful answer to you than strangers on the internet. One that would most likely put you more at peace too.

 

[asia53]

Is there actual scientific work on this or is this just anecdotal evidence from you and Puzzeannie?

But even if that were the case, you do realize that I address the issue in my previous post anyway and went on to show that it would not change the fact that the OP was right in asking.

I don’t appreciate your tone. Actual experience doesn’t mean anything?

You could have googled this on your own. As was told to you, it’s hormonal. Since you won’t believe women, here’s a link from a study-----Breastfeeding

 

[passer_by]

I don’t appreciate your tone. Actual experience doesn’t mean anything?

You could have googled this on your own. As was told to you, it’s hormonal. Since you won’t believe women, here’s a link from a study-----Breastfeeding

I didn’t need to google because as I said, my objection puzzelannie applies regardless of whether the idea ‘breastfeeding is sexually stimulating’ is true or not.

Also, that research you cites talks about women feeling more sexually motivated. There is a difference between being sexually motivated and being sexually aroused/pleased. A person has a heightened sense of sexual motivation after puberty. That is fine. But a person feels sexually aroused and sexual pleasure by watching pornography. That is not fine.

So I think you need to understand what the study is saying precisely. Unfortunately it doesn’t give any support for what you want to say here.

 

[Catholic90]

passer_by, have you ever breast fed a baby?

 

[Nate13]

Its really simple. When the action becomes sexually exciting you should stop doing it. Up until that point, its fine. I do not think the action you are talking about is inherently sexually stimulating. Its the same action your doing while peeing. If the action is proving to be a big temptation for you, you should definitely figure out how effective what your doing is at achieving your goal of lasting longer and weight that against the temptation its causing you.

 

[passer_by]

passer_by, have you ever breast fed a baby?

I have not, and even if I had, if I generalized from it that everyone who breast feeds find it sexually stimulating, I would be in error

Secondly, why is this debate becoming about breast feeding when I have already said that even if breast feeding was sexually stimulating, that is irrelevant when considering this issue