If you’re still standing up to pee in the shower, you’re doing it wrong; you’ve got to squat for that. Also, avoid doing so in front of your partner, because you still need to be a viable option for sex at some point.
Do you adore your pelvic floor? Are you peeing the wrong way?
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle publication GOOP is concerned that women are ignoring the group of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis, those that allow “proper control” over the bladder and bowels, and wants to teach you how to urinate.
GOOP recently published a guide intent on preventing urinary incontinence, and the pelvic floor is front and center.
“Try peeing in the shower squatting down,” the GOOP article suggests to readers. “When you squat to pee as opposed to sitting up straight on the toilet, you automatically engage your pelvic floor and it naturally stretches and tones.”
If you’re still confused, Paltrow’s company has provided diagrams of appropriate bladder evacuation, and additional tips for stretching and exercise.
“Because your urethra is pointed straight down in this position all you have to do is relax for urine to flow out easily – as opposed to sitting up straight and having to strain to empty your bladder,” so says GOOP. “It’s important to activate the muscles that you use [to] cut your pee off mid-stream,”
Strengthening the floor muscles is “the key to great sex, a flat tummy, and the key to never laying in a supply of Depends,” claims GOOP’s “go-to fascia and structural integrative specialist,” Lauren Roxburgh.
“Having sex is not only fun, but it’s great for your body, mind, spirit, and pelvic floor,” the article says. “…orgasms trigger a rush of endorphins and human growth hormones, while also reducing cortisol levels. Practice squeezes and letting go…your partner will love it!”
Of course, if you still suck at bladder control after all the sex, exercise and shower peeing, you can always steam clean your vagina. Paltrow has got you covered there.
The actress revealed in January she uses a steam douche technique to keep her vagina clean, which also keeps her feeling energetic.