Dear jjones0824,

This is not true. Bathing in vinegar — or any other substance — will not tighten the vagina.

Some women find that their sexual response improves by doing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are done by tightening and relaxing the muscles used to stop urination.

Strengthening these muscles can improve urinary incontinence, improve sexual sensations, and aid muscle tone recovery from childbirth. Because they are internal muscle exercises, they can be done privately anywhere, anytime.

If a woman decides to do Kegel exercises, it is recommended that she do at least five in a row, several times a day:

• Tighten muscles a little and hold for five seconds.
• Tighten a little more and hold for five seconds more.
• Tighten as much as possible and hold for another five seconds.
• Relax the muscles in reverse steps, holding five seconds at each step.

To benefit from Kegel exercises, a woman must isolate the correct muscles. For women to be sure they are insolating the correct muscles, they may insert two fingers into the vagina the first time they try the exercise. They should be able to feel pressure around their fingers when they squeeze the correct muscles. Once the correct muscles have been located, it is no longer necessary to insert the finger to do the exercises.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.