Kegel exercises

plural noun

Ke·​gel exercises ˈkā-gəl-  ˈkē- 

: repetitive contractions of the pelvic muscles that control the flow in urination in order to strengthen these muscles especially to control or prevent incontinence or to enhance sexual responsiveness during intercourse

called also Kegels

Examples of Kegel exercises in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After giving birth to her youngest of three children, her cervix was hanging out of her body, and she was told at the time that even with Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, a bladder sling would be in her future. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Oct. 2024

The same muscles that engage during Kegel exercises are engaged during orgasm. —Lexi Petronis, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2024

Talk to your healthcare provider before starting Kegel exercises. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

Pelvic floor therapy and Kegel exercises help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, increasing bladder control. —Peter Weiss, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

Stress incontinence can often be effectively managed with Kegel exercises, fluid management, weight loss, changes in diet, and smoking cessation. —Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 15 July 2024

Other changes may require treatments like pain relievers, ice packs, or Kegel exercises. —Anthea Levi, Health, 8 Apr. 2024

How is pelvic floor injury treated? Kegel exercises, when women tighten and relax the pelvic floor muscles, can help, especially among younger women. —Linda Carroll, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2024

For our full guide on Kegel exercises, click below: Read more How to Do Kegel Exercises and Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Learn how to do Kegel exercises and strengthen your pelvic floor with 10 expert tips. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Arnold H. Kegel †1976 American gynecologist

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Kegel exercises

noun plural

Ke·​gel exercises ˈkā-gəl-  ˈkē- 

: repetitive contractions of the muscles that control the flow in urination in order to increase the tone of the pubococcygeus muscle of the pelvic floor especially to prevent or control incontinence or to enhance sexual responsiveness during intercourse

Kegel exercises, which work the pelvic muscles and are often assigned after the delivery of a child, can be effective for stress incontinence.

—Tracy L. Pipp, USA Today

… encourage him to continue doing Kegel exercises. Studies confirm that incontinence after prostate surgery may continue to improve for more than two years postsurgery.

—Diane A. Smith, quoted in The Saturday Evening Post