Pelvic Floor Exerciser

Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause a range of uncomfortable complications in both men and women, including incontinence, bladder and bowel problems, prolapse, and decreased sexual function.

These daily problems can drastically lower one's quality of life and impact their overall well-being in significant ways. While traditional exercises like Kegels can help alleviate this issue, there is now a more efficient and effective solution: electronic pelvic floor exercisers.

In recent years, electronic pelvic floor exercisers have become increasingly popular, as they provide a more targeted and efficient way of strengthening these crucial muscles. These devices are designed to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles via electronic impulses, thus, promoting muscle contraction and strengthening the area

Grimes, W. R., & Stratton, M. (2022). Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

What are Electronic Pelvic Floor Exercisers?

Electronic pelvic floor exercisers are a type of medical device that are designed to help strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor. These devices work by delivering low-level vaginal electrical stimulation to the muscles, causing the pelvic muscles to contract and relax. Pelvic Floor Exercisers help improve bladder and bowel function and prevent incontinence among patients. It can also be used to improve sexual health.

Pelvic Floor Exercisers have a variety of shapes and sizes, but they commonly feature a small handheld controller that allows you to adjust the level of electrical stimulation and the duration of each session.

 

 

How do Pelvic floor exercisers work?

Pelvic floor exercisers, also known as kegel exercisers, strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area, which can become weakened as a result of childbirth, aging, or specific medical conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic floor exercisers work by providing resistance to the muscles of the pelvic floor, much like any other strength-training exercise. It uses a gentle electric current to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles in a targeted and systematic way.

 

What are the benefits of pelvic floor electrical stimulation?

Pelvic floor electrical stimulation offers a safe and non-invasive alternative to surgical intervention. Several studies have shown that vaginal electrical stimulation can significantly improve symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.ome participants reported experiencing not just an improvement in their symptoms but also a complete resolution of their pelvic dysfunction issues. (Allon, 2019)

In addition, pelvic floor electrical stimulation requires minimal effort from the user. This makes these devices as an ideal solution for people with busy lifestyles. Furthermore, it can be an effective complement to other forms of exercises that are aimed at improving the health of your pelvic floor.

 

Manual Pelvic Floor Exerciser VS Electronic Pelvic Floor Exerciser

Manual pelvic floor exerciser involves consciously contracting and relaxing the muscles in the pelvic floor. This works by squeezing the muscles as if trying to stop urine flow or similar to holding a kegel for a few seconds at a time.

While there are several benefits to manual exercises such as improving the strength of the pelvic floor, reducing the risks of incontinence, and enhancing sexual arousal and pleasure; this, however, can be challenging to perform correctly, and it may take some time to see noticeable results.

Electronic pelvic floor exercisers, on the contrary, work by using electrical stimulation to contract the pelvic floor muscles. These devices provide a more intense workout than manual exercises. Aside from convenience, it can also be more efficient as itallows you to complete a full workout in just a few minutes a day.

If you are currently struggling with manual exercises due to physical limitations or any other difficulties with muscle control, you can opt to use electronic pelvic floor exercisers instead of a manual pelvic floor exerciser. 

 

Exerciser FAQ

 

Can Electronic Pelvic Floor Exercisers improve bladder control and bowel function?

The pelvic floor muscles are a crucial part of our bodily functions because theyprovide support to the bladder, bowel, and our reproductive organs. However, natural factors such as aging, childbirth, and particular medical conditions can weaken the pelvic muscles and lead to bladder control and bowel function issues.

Fortunately, studies have shown that using electronic pelvic floor exercisers can significantly improve bladder control and reduce urinary incontinence (National Library of Medicine, n.d.). These exercises help to improve bowel functions, hence, reducing incidences of constipation and fecal incontinence.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Pelvic floor muscle training exercises: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus.

 

Can Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation tighten and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles?

Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation (PFES) triggers a reflex contraction that activates the pelvic floor muscles. By activating the motor fibers, muscles can reach a maximum activation level that is not usually possible during manual exercises or voluntary contractions, leading to improved muscle tone and strength.

 

Can Vaginal Electrical Stimulation tighten your vaginal wall and improve your sex life?

Yes. Studies have shown that vaginal electrical stimulation can lead to a significant increase in sexual sensation and arousal. (Aydın et al., 2015) This is because the improved muscle tone enables better blood flow to the genital area and lead to increased sensual sensitivity and responsiveness. Furthermore, the increased confidence and control in patients after getting an improved pelvic floor muscle help them to perform and experience a more satisfying sexual experience.

Aydın, S., Arıoğlu Aydın, Ç., Batmaz, G., & Dansuk, R. (2015). Effect of vaginal electrical stimulation on female sexual functions: a randomized study. The journal of sexual medicine, 12(2), 463–469. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12788

 

Can you use a pelvic floor stimulator for prolapse?

Yes. A pelvic floor stimulator when used for prolapse treatment, promotes external urethral sphincter contraction which results in an overall improvement of the pelvic floor muscle group.

A clinical study showed that pelvic floor stimulators can actually reduce symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, including urinary leakage and discomfort. Additionally, these devices can also improve the overall quality of life of patients since they are able to regain control over their excretory bodily functions. (Zhong et al., 2021)

Zhong, F., Miao, W., Yu, Z., Hong, L., & Deng, N. (2021). Clinical effect of electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy combined with pelvic floor functional exercise on postpartum pelvic organ prolapse. American journal of translational research, 13(6), 6629–6637.

 

Can pelvic floor stimulator help control incontinence of urine?

Yes, researchers have found that people who did pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation, and vaginal cones had fewer problems with stress urinary episodes and felt better overall than those in the control group. (Castro et al., 2008)

In particular, they found out that pelvic floor exercises are helpful in alleviating stress incontinence, where urine leaks during physical activity such as coughing or sneezing. Similarly, it can also help strengthen pelvic floor muscle and coordination resulting in improved bowel function in women with bowel incontinence or constipation.

Castro, R. A., Arruda, R. M., Zanetti, M. R., Santos, P. D., Sartori, M. G., & Girão, M. J. (2008). Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial of pelvic floor muscle training, electrical stimulation, vaginal cones, and no active treatment in the management of stress urinary incontinence. Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 63(4), 465–472

 

Can pelvic floor exerciser help with faecal or bowel incontinence?

Yes. Damaged or weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to incontinence, which is a loss of control over bowel movements. This is typically a result of aging. Studies have shown that pelvic floor exercises can strengthen these muscles and individuals who were experiencing incontinence were able to regain control and prevent further uncomfortable episodes (Whitehead, et. al, 2016).

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Treatment of fecal incontinence - NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

 

Can I use an electronic pelvic floor stimulator for Kegel exercises?

Yes, electronic pelvic floor stimulators can be used for Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises, or also known as “pelvic floor muscle exercises,” are made to strengthen the muscles that support and control the bladder, uterus, and rectum.

These have been clinically proven to increase your pelvic muscle tone, improve your bladder control, and even enhance your sexual function. However, traditional Kegel exercises require patience, focus, and effort, which is why electronic pelvic floor stimulators are a better option for those who want more control and ease of use in a non-invasive and convenient alternative.

 

How to use pelvic floor exerciser for pelvic floor muscle training and incontinence training?

Step 1: Prepare the Device - Install the battery or simply plug in the device.

Step 2: Insert the Probe - before inserting, ensure that the probe is clean and lubricated.

To insert the probe, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Gently insert the probe into the vagina and aim it towards your lower back.

Do not force the probe and stop if there is any discomfort. Adjust the depth and angle of the probe until it feels comfortable.

Step 3: Select the Right Program - Select the strengthening program and intensity level that suits your needs and aligns with your exercise routine.

Step 4: Start the Exercise - Commence exercising your pelvic floor muscles.

 

Can you overuse an electronic pelvic stimulator?

Yes, it is possible to overuse a pelvic floor stimulator. If you overuse a pelvic floor stimulator, you might experience muscle fatigue and soreness which can be uncomfortable and even painful. Overstimulation of the pelvic floor muscles can also lead to muscle spasms, which can exacerbate existing conditions such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain. This is why it is important that you follow the recommended duration and frequency of use as provided by the manufacturer’s instructions or as prescribed by your healthcare professional especially if you experienced any discomfort.

 

How often can you use the pelvic floor exerciser?

It is highly recommended to use the pelvic floor exerciser at least once a day, five times a week. Nonetheless, for some users, the frequency may differ depending on their individual needs and/or goals.