Our Services
Medical Information
Helpful Resources
Published on: 3/25/2026
Reverse Kegels, or pelvic floor drops, teach gentle lengthening and relaxation of the pelvic floor to improve blood flow, sensation, erection firmness, and orgasm control, using slow belly breathing as you softly release downward for 2 to 3 seconds, then return to neutral and repeat without straining.
There are several factors to consider. See below for step by step guidance, practice frequency, common mistakes, signs you may need them, how to balance with regular Kegels, expected timelines for results, and when to speak to a doctor about erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, or other warning signs that could affect your next care steps.
When most people hear about pelvic floor exercises, they think of Kegels — the tightening movement. But there's another side to pelvic health that often gets overlooked: reverse Kegels, also known as pelvic floor drops.
If you're interested in improving sensation, reducing tension, or enhancing sexual function, learning how to relax the pelvic floor may be just as important as strengthening it. In fact, many experts now recommend pelvic floor drops for arousal because they increase blood flow, reduce muscle tightness, and support better erections and orgasm control.
Let's break down what reverse Kegels are, why they matter, and exactly how to do them.
A reverse Kegel is a gentle, controlled relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.
While a regular Kegel involves tightening the muscles you would use to stop urine flow, a reverse Kegel involves intentionally lengthening and releasing those muscles.
Think of it this way:
This movement allows the pelvic floor to expand instead of contract.
Healthy sexual function depends on a balance between muscle strength and muscle relaxation.
Overly tight pelvic floor muscles can:
That's where pelvic floor drops for arousal become important. When the pelvic floor relaxes properly:
Research in urology and sexual medicine shows that pelvic floor relaxation is just as essential as strength. Many men with erectile issues or pelvic pain actually have overactive or tense pelvic floor muscles, not weak ones.
You may benefit from pelvic floor drops if you notice:
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, you can check your symptoms with a free AI-powered tool that provides personalized insights in just minutes to help guide your next steps.
Before doing reverse Kegels, you need to identify the correct muscles.
The pelvic floor muscles are the ones you would use to:
These muscles form a sling at the base of your pelvis.
Now, instead of tightening them, we're going to learn how to gently release them.
Follow these steps carefully. The key is gentle control, not force.
Start in one of these positions:
Beginners often find lying down easiest.
Breathing is essential for pelvic floor drops.
When you inhale deeply, your diaphragm moves downward. This naturally encourages the pelvic floor to relax.
As you inhale:
It may feel like:
Important:
Do not strain. This is not a forceful push. Overdoing it can increase tension.
At the peak of your inhale:
As you exhale:
You are simply allowing the muscles to rebound naturally.
Start with:
Over time, you can increase to:
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Reverse Kegels are subtle. Many people accidentally turn them into something else.
Avoid:
If you feel pressure, pain, or strain, you're pushing too hard.
Most people begin noticing subtle changes within:
Improvements may include:
For men with chronic pelvic tightness, it may take longer — sometimes 6–8 weeks.
The pelvic floor works best when it can both contract and relax.
An ideal routine might include:
This balanced approach supports healthy muscle tone.
However, if you suspect your pelvic floor is overly tight, focus more heavily on pelvic floor drops for arousal before adding strengthening work.
Reverse Kegels are generally safe. However, you should speak to a doctor if you experience:
Erectile issues can sometimes signal underlying conditions such as:
Do not ignore ongoing symptoms. Early evaluation can prevent more serious complications.
If you are experiencing concerning symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional promptly.
Sexual performance is not just about strength — it's about coordination and relaxation.
When the pelvic floor is too tight:
When the pelvic floor can drop and expand properly:
That's why many sexual health specialists now emphasize pelvic floor drops for arousal as part of a comprehensive sexual wellness routine.
Reverse Kegels are simple but powerful. They teach your body something many people forget how to do: relax.
By practicing pelvic floor drops consistently, you may:
The key is patience and proper technique.
If symptoms persist or worsen, do not self-diagnose. Speak to a qualified healthcare provider about any concerns that could be serious or life threatening.
Your pelvic floor is part of your overall health. Treat it with the same attention and care you would give your heart, your muscles, or your mental well-being.
(References)
* Pereira BVS, et al. Impact of Pelvic Floor Muscle Overactivity on Female Sexual Function: A Scoping Review. Sex Med Rev. 2023 Apr;11(2):e22-e30. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2023.01.002. Epub 2023 Feb 1. PMID: 36739343.
* Gillard P, et al. Pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity as a cause of chronic pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction: A narrative review. J Sex Med. 2022 Oct;19(10):1511-1520. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.006. Epub 2022 Sep 23. PMID: 36162985.
* Hartmann D, et al. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Sexual Pain: A Focus on Hypertonicity. Sex Med Rev. 2018 Jul;6(3):477-485. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.11.005. Epub 2018 Jan 18. PMID: 29358235.
* Kim D, et al. Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and its Impact on Female Sexual Function: A Narrative Review. Sex Med Rev. 2021 Oct;9(4):592-601. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.01.006. Epub 2021 Feb 17. PMID: 33608240.
* Kaur H, et al. Pelvic Floor Muscle Down-training in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med. 2021 Nov;18(11):1858-1869. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.08.005. Epub 2021 Aug 20. PMID: 34420849.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.