Kegel exercises

plural noun

Ke·​gel exercises ˈkā-gəl- How to pronounce Kegel exercises (audio) ˈkē- How to pronounce Kegel exercises (audio)
: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Before trying medication, ask your doctor for information on Kegel exercises that can strengthen your pelvic floor. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 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 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

Kegel exercises

noun plural
Ke·​gel exercises ˈkā-gəl- How to pronounce Kegel exercises (audio) ˈkē- How to pronounce Kegel exercises (audio)
: 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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