Kegel-induced orgasm? Is it a sin?

I’m embarrassed by my problem, and I really can’t talk to the bishop about it. I have a medical problem, due to my age, 62, and my doctor has recommended Kegel exercises. Well, I’ve discovered that those exercises cause me to orgasm. In a temple recommend interview, my bishop said masturbation is wrong. My question is, since Kegels causes orgasm, is it a form of masturbation, and should I not do them? I am single, and living in celibacy as I should, but would Kegel-induced orgasm be breaking the Law of Chastity?

I am glad you posted this question and hope you find nothing to be embarrassed about. Our body is meant to respond in a sexual manner. It is how our Heavenly Father created us. The fact that we are sexual in nature should not elicit feelings of shame.

Doing Kegel exercises is NOT a form of masturbation. Masturbation is the stimulation of one’s genital organs by manual or other bodily contact (i.e. rubbing up against something) exclusive of sexual intercourse. Intent is also necessary for the label (i.e. this is why wet dreams for boys/men is not considered masturbation). And NO, what you are describing would not entail breaking the law of chastity.

The fact that you are single, living in celibacy, and not masturbating means that your body has no legitimate sexual outlet. Therefore, it may be reacting more sensitively to any stimuli and possibly be part of why you are experiencing the orgasmic reflex. Orgasm is only a reflex after all – like sneezing. As you get more used to doing these exercises, you may find that the orgasms diminish in frequency. And then again, you may not. Each body is unique in its responses. However, I would not allow this to deter you from doing the exercises.

Kegel exercises are an important part of female health as they help prevent vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, prostate pain and swelling, urinary incontinence and can increase sexual satisfaction. In fact the older we get, the more we are encouraged to exercise this muscle.

Kegel exercises are also important for men. They, again, help reduce prostate pain/swelling and urinary incontinence. They can also aid with issues of premature ejaculation.

If you’re going to talk to anyone about this it should be your Ob Gyn – not your bishop.

Here is a great resource regarding Kegel exercises from Mayo Clinic:
Kegel Exercises: How to Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles

Although I do not believe this necessarily to be the case for you, here is an interesting article on
Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome