What is the best pelvic floor training device?

Strains to the pelvic floor muscle can pose substantial challenges to the individual experiencing issues to this region of the body. There are various devices available to help improve one’s pelvic floor, however which is the best device to train your pelvic floor? This article is intended to facilitate the answer to this curious question.

Symptoms and causes of pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when there is either too much tension on the pelvic floor muscles (high tone) or not enough (low tone). Symptoms associated with a dysfunctional pelvic floor include but are not limited to:

  • Unexplained pain in the lower back, pelvis, genitals, or rectum
  • Painful intercourse for women1

Pelvic floor training exercises can help minimize symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Training your pelvic floor muscles with Weight Kegel Balls

Weight Kegel Balls are small weighted devices that come in a variety of weights and sizes to help you contract and release your pelvic floor muscles. Let us mention that Kegel Balls and Kegel Weights are easy to clean and maintain.  Kegel Weights have been used for centuries by different cultures and are proven to increase strength and ensure pelvic muscles are working properly. Kegel Balls are inserted into your body and work your pelvic floor muscles by contracting and relaxing them. In addition, Kegel Weights may also enhance your sexual response and enjoyment2.  People tend to be fond of Weight Kegel Balls because they offer a natural method of strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

Furthermore, the exercises associated with Kegel Weights and Kegel Balls facilitate the preparation of childbirth, prevent vaginal prolapse, and improve bladder control. Weight Kegel Balls also simulate blood flow to the genital region of a women’s body and train women on techniques that will naturally tighten their vaginas. This often results in women experiencing increased intense orgasms and makes for possibility of a higher probability of multiple orgasms for women. Most importantly, Kegel Balls are extremely comfortable and soft. Some women even keep Kegel Balls inserted in their vagina for extended period and feel little to no vibrations.

Conversely Weight Kegel Balls also come with a few disadvantages and challenges. They are typically not fun and engaging to utilize. The workouts can become perhaps boring and repetitive over time. In addition, to potentially realize a result one must use Kegel Weights and Kegel Balls consistently. Which technically means that one invests countless hours and effort into Kegel Ball exercises, their time spent, tireless effort and hard work may potentially be negated simply by missing a few days of training.

Training your pelvic floor muscles with Yoni Eggs

Another interesting and controversial device are Yoni Eggs. Yoni, the term originates from Sanskrit meaning womb or vagina, Yoni Eggs are intended to be inserted into the body for several hours at a time, but recent reports would advise you steer away from these as they are not scientifically proven to increase libido, ease cramps or balance hormones3. Not only can Yoni Eggs strengthen one’s pelvic floor other benefits include assistance in the recovery after child birth, treatment of urinary incontinence, enhancement of sexual pleasure, reduction of menstrual cramps, strengthening of vaginal muscles, and they provide metaphysical benefits that can be attributed to gemstones and crystals. For these reasons, the use of Yoni Eggs may be a preferred medical solution for one seeking a more holistic alternative to repairing their pelvic floor muscles.

Yoni Eggs are an excellent option for those who believe in the notion of holistic medicines such as crystal healing, chakras, and the spiritual energy within one’s body. Women who often use Yoni Eggs tend to account that they become more in tune with their femininity and spirituality over the course of using them.  In addition, Yoni Eggs made from rose quartz and jade are favourited.

Conversely, Yoni Eggs also have their challenges and drawbacks. For one, countless medical doctors do not recommend Yoni Eggs as a tool for the treatment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. A specific reason for this is that the incorrect use of Yoni Eggs has the potential for substantial damage to the pelvic region as well as infection.  Furthermore, although Yoni Eggs may have various potential benefits to the pelvic floor these potential positive results have not been scientifically proven. Additionally, Yoni Eggs do not facilitate either the contraction or relaxation needed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic floor training exercises: the biofeedback approach

A popular non-surgical treatment for pelvic muscle dysfunction includes Biofeedback, furthermore this is the most common non-invasive treatment. The biofeedback approach entails gathering information about your body via electronic data sensors then formulating techniques and exercises to help improve your pelvic floor function with the results from the diagnostic. This data is collected with the help of trained physical therapists, and the techniques and exercises tend to be easy to perform. Users of the Pelvic Floor Biofeedback approach often attain a greater knowledge of their unique body and its specific requirements. In addition, there are many biofeedback devices on the market that are portable and easy to transport. Furthermore, Biofeedback is not painful because of the its non-invasive nature, and studies suggest that is helps over 75% of people with pelvic floor dysfunction4.

Perifit: strengthen your pelvic floor with games and biofeedback

Perifit uses the biofeedback approach to give you instant feedback about your pelvic floor and your Kegels, and it does so with a modern app and internal sensor. This device makes use of games that can be downloaded to a smart phone to provide pelvic floor biofeedback training to all women regardless of age or pelvic floor condition. Perifit offers a fun and engaging way to increase your pelvic floor strength, and frequent use of this product will give you the confidence to lead your life without the fear of any potential embarrassing moments.

Weighted Kegel Balls vs Yoni Eggs vs Biofeedback

 

Weighted Kegel Balls

Yoni Eggs

Pelvic Floor  Biofeedback

Pros

  • Variety of weights and sizes
  • Simple to use
  • Enhance sexual response

 

  • Variety of weights and materials
  • Spiritual benefits
  • Device has been used for centuries
  • Easy to perform
  • Highly portable
  • Non-invasive
  • Fun to use

Cons

  • Results require time and patience
  • Consistent usage
  • Current suggestions of benefits are limited
  • Must be inserted for hours at a time
  • Is not a medically endorsed solution
  • Potential risks such as infection
  • Can be more expensive 
  • Non-invasive nature limits data collection

 

Learn more:

 

References:

  1. Columbia University Irving Medical Center, ‘Pelvic Floor Disorders: Frequently Asked Questions’ Colorectal Surgery Columbia Surgery, date accessed on 06/28/2021: https://columbiasurgery.org/colorectal/pelvic-floor-disorders-frequently-asked-questions
  2. Healthline, ‘How to Use Kegel (Ben Wa) Balls like a Pro’ Healthline, 23/01/2018 date accessed on 06/30/2021: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-kegel-balls
  3. S Fielding, ‘ Why OB-GYNs warn you to never insert a yoni egg into your vagina’ Health, Insider, 04/01/2021 date accessed on 06/30/2021: https://www.insider.com/yoni-eggs#:~:text=Yoni%20eggs%20are%20egg%2Dshaped,easing%20cramps%2C%20and%20balancing%20hormones.
  4. Cleveland Clinic medical professional, ‘Pelvic Floor Dysfunction’ 100 years, Cleveland Clinic, 05/26/2020 date accessed on 06/27/2021: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14459-pelvic-floor-dysfunction#:~:text=Pelvic%20floor%20dysfunction%20is%20treated,people%20with%20pelvic%20floor%20dysfunction.
  5. Pelvic Floor Center and Colon & Rectal Surgery, ‘Biofeedback Pelvic Floor Center and Colon & Rectal Surgery, 2016 date accessed on 06/30/2021: http://www.pelvicfloorcenter.org/content/biofeedback#:~:text=What%20is%20biofeedback%20for%20pelvic,types%20of%20pelvic%20floor%20pain.
  6. Perifit, ‘Strengthen your pelvic floor with games Perifit, date accessed on 06.28.2021: https://au.perifit.co/