pelvic floor exercise (pfe), also known as kegel exercises, may improve the tone and function of the pelvic floor muscles, which is of particular benefit for women (and less commonly men) who experience stress urinary incontinence. however, compliance with pfe programs often is poor, pfe generally is ineffective for urinary incontinence unless performed with biofeedback and trained supervision, and in severe cases it may have no benefit. pelvic floor muscle tone may be estimated using a perineometer, which measures the pressure within the vagina. medication may also be used to improve continence. in severe cases, surgery may be used to repair or even to reconstruct the pelvic floor.