The pelvic floor is a hammock-shaped collection of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis that control urine flow and flatulence. Weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles, which can occur as the result of childbirth, may cause urinary incontinence and other problems. This can be overcome with pelvic floor exercises, called Kegel exercises, and there are many progressive-resistance products designed to make these exercises more effective. Although men can perform Kegel exercises and may have pelvic floor issues, the market for these products is focused on women.
Spring-Based Kegel Exercisers
One type of Kegel exercise device uses springs to provide resistance against the contraction of pelvic floor muscles. Usually made of plastic, these devices are designed to be gently inserted into the vagina. When the user clenches her pelvic floor muscles, as if to stop the flow of urine, the two sides of the device are squeezed together. These two sides are separated by one or more springs, which make the device somewhat difficult to squeeze. Some versions of this device feature multiple springs that can be removed and replaced to make the exercise more challenging with progress, while others have knobs that can be manipulated to increase the difficulty of the exercise.
Rubber Bulb Kegel Exercisers
Another type of Kegel exerciser consists of an inflatable rubber bulb attached to a length of hose, a hand pump and, often, a gauge that measures biofeedback. The rubber bulb of this device is inserted into the vagina uninflated, and is then pumped up to a comfortable size using the hand pump. The inflated bulb provides resistance with every contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, and more resistance can be added by gradually inflating the bulb with more air. Models equipped with a biofeedback gauge will display how much pressure is being applied to the bulb with the pelvic floor muscles, allowing users to monitor and evaluate their performance.
Vaginal Weights
Vaginal weights provide a different type of Kegel exercise than the above-mentioned products, because they require the pelvic floor muscles to be contracted and held for a period of time, rather than contracted and released repeatedly. This product consists of a set of tampon-shaped weights, all the same size, but each one slightly heavier than the one before. With the lightest weight inserted into the vagina, users are to walk or stand for a specific period of time, clenching constantly to hold the weight in place. Some exercise routines also involve coughing, jumping, squatting and other activities that may cause urinary incontinence accidents. With progress, increasingly heavy weights are to be used, providing a progressive exercise regimen.
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