What it means
Named after Arnold Kegel, the American gynecologist who promoted them. The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus and rectum. Regular practice helps prevent and improve leaking of urine (especially stress incontinence), and is advised during and after pregnancy and for men after prostate surgery.
For the nurse
Teach the client to find the right muscles by imagining stopping the flow of urine or holding in gas, then squeeze for about 3 to 10 seconds, relax for the same time, and repeat about 10 times, three times a day. They should empty the bladder first, breathe normally and keep the stomach, buttock and thigh muscles relaxed. Stopping urine midstream should not be used as the regular exercise.
At a glance
| Also written | Kegel exercise, Kegels, Kegel |
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Related terms
incontinence
Loss of control over the bladder or bowel, so urine or stool leaks out without the person meaning it to.
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.