Kegel exercises - meaning and definition
AlsoKegelspelvic floor exerciseskegelkegal exercisespelvic floor training
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Kegel exercises are repeated squeezes and releases of the pelvic floor muscles, used to strengthen them and improve bladder control.
At a glance
- Kegels are repeated squeezes and releases of the pelvic floor muscles.
- They are named after the American gynaecologist Arnold Kegel.
- Fully relaxing between squeezes is as important as the squeeze itself.
- They are often recommended during and after pregnancy, after prostate surgery and for stress urinary incontinence.
- People whose pelvic floor is already too tight may need relaxation techniques instead.
In detail
The exercises are named after the American gynaecologist Arnold Kegel. They involve tightening the muscles you would use to stop passing wind or urine, holding briefly, then fully relaxing, repeated several times a day. Proper relaxation between squeezes is as important as the squeeze itself.
Kegels are often recommended during and after pregnancy, after prostate surgery, and for stress urinary incontinence. They are not right for everyone: people whose pelvic floor is already too tight may need relaxation techniques instead, so persistent symptoms are best assessed by a clinician or pelvic health physiotherapist.
In a sentence
- The physiotherapist showed me how to do Kegel exercises properly, including the relaxing part.
- The pregnancy app sends a daily reminder to do Kegels.
Where the word comes from
Named after Arnold Kegel, an American gynaecologist who described the exercises in the late 1940s as a way to treat urinary incontinence.
Common questions
How do I find the right muscles for Kegel exercises?
They are the muscles you would use to stop passing wind or urine. The exercise involves tightening them, holding briefly and then fully relaxing. A pelvic health physiotherapist can check that you are using the right muscles and suggest a routine that suits you.
Are Kegels right for everyone?
No. They help many people with a weak pelvic floor, but people whose muscles are already too tight may need relaxation techniques instead. If symptoms such as leaking, pain or pressure persist, it is best to be assessed by a clinician or pelvic health physiotherapist.