: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

Etymology

Arnold H. Kegel †1976 American gynecologist

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Kegel exercises was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near Kegel exercises

Cite this Entry

“Kegel exercises.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kegel%20exercises. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

: 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
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