Definition and pronunciation
Kegel (noun) — a term referring to the Kegel exercise or Kegel muscles, named after Dr. Arnold Kegel, the American gynecologist who introduced pelvic floor muscle training in the 1940s. The word can describe both the exercise and the muscles involved in strengthening the pelvic floor.
Pronunciation: /ˈkiːɡəl/ (“KEE-guhl”) or /ˈkɛɡəl/ (“KEG-uhl”) — both are widely used.
Easy explanation
Kegel means tightening and relaxing the muscles at the bottom of your body that help control peeing and sexual movement. Doing Kegels helps both men and women keep their pelvic muscles strong and healthy.
Grammatical formation
- Part of speech: noun (countable or uncountable) and sometimes verb (informal, to Kegel = to perform a Kegel exercise).
- Plural: Kegels (when referring to repetitions or exercises).
- Common verbs: do Kegels, perform Kegels, learn to Kegel, practice Kegels, recommend Kegels.
- Adjectival use: Kegel exercise, Kegel muscles, Kegel training.
Word comparisons
- Kegel vs. Kegel exercise: Kegel can mean the exercise itself or the muscle action used in it.
- Kegel vs. pelvic floor exercise: They mean the same thing; Kegel is the popular or brand-like version of the medical term.
- Kegel vs. Kegel muscles: The muscles are what you use during the Kegel.
- Kegel vs. Kegel device: A Kegel device helps monitor or enhance the exercise through resistance or feedback.
Connotations
Empowering, discreet, and health-positive. Associated with self-care, sexual vitality, postpartum recovery, and body control. Though clinical in origin, it now carries wellness and lifestyle connotations.
Prepositional usage
- benefits of Kegels — advantages or results.
- instructions for Kegels — learning how to do them.
- after Kegels — sensations or results.
- during Kegels — engagement of pelvic floor muscles.
- practice of Kegels — habitual or therapeutic routine.
Real-life examples
“Her doctor recommended doing Kegels every day to strengthen her pelvic muscles.”
“Men also benefit from Kegels—they improve erection control and bladder health.”
“Too many Kegels without relaxation can create pelvic tension.”
“Kegels can be done anywhere because no one can see you doing them.”
Synonyms
pelvic floor exercise, pelvic muscle training, Kegel exercise, pelvic strengthening, pelvic therapy
Antonyms
pelvic muscle weakness, lack of control, relaxed pelvic floor, muscle atrophy
Related terms
Kegel exercise, Kegel muscles, pelvic floor, pelvic sling, pelvic diaphragm, incontinence, pelvic therapy, sexual stamina, reproductive health
Common collocations
do Kegels; perform Kegels daily; practice Kegels; Kegel routine; Kegel benefits; Kegel strength; learn Kegels; Kegel training program; postpartum Kegels; male Kegels
Idiomatic/figurative usage
Used informally as a verb or metaphor for self-discipline or invisible effort, e.g., “I’m Kegeling through this meeting,” meaning quietly doing exercises or staying composed under pressure.
Sample sentences
“Kegels are simple exercises that can be done anytime to strengthen your pelvic floor.”
“He learned Kegels to improve bladder control after prostate surgery.”
“Overdoing Kegels can make the muscles too tight, causing pelvic pain.”
“Regular Kegels enhance sexual sensation and confidence.”
Connection to sexuality
Yes—Kegel is closely tied to sexual pleasure and performance.
- In women, it increases vaginal tone, improves arousal, and intensifies orgasms.
- In men, it helps maintain erections, delay ejaculation, and improve orgasm control.
Kegel training enhances blood flow, awareness, and sensitivity in the genital area. However, overtraining without relaxation can cause discomfort, so balanced strength and flexibility are essential for healthy sexual function.
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