In order to achieve good vaginal health, many women would need to do some Kegel exercises. The name of these exercises comes from the name of Dr. Arnold Kegel who first described how to perform them. They are also known as pelvic floor squeezes or tightening exercises and are strongly recommended by many childbirth educators. The primary purpose of these exercises is to strengthen the pubococcygeus muscle. This is the major muscle of the pelvic floor that surrounds the vaginal, urethral and rectal openings. In order to locate this muscle and exercise it properly, you will need to locate it correctly. The best way to achieve that is by actually urinating. Many women do their Kegel exercises while urinating by simply stopping the urine flow, however this is not always recommended as it can promote urinary tract infections. Kegel exercises are effective only if they are done properly and regularly, to achieve the right toning of the muscles.