Pelvic exercisers can be used to strengthen the pelvic floor. Although both men and women can have problems with weak muscles in the pelvic floor, the problem is more common in women, especially after childbirth. For those who don't want to use pelvic exercisers, the pelvic floor can also be strengthened without special equipment by doing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises involve tightening the pelvic floor muscles, holding for 10 to 15 seconds at a time, then releasing and repeating 10 times, several times each day. To isolate which muscle you should be tightening, try stopping your flow of urine in the bathroom. The muscle you use to do this is the muscle you need to be working on.
Defined
There are several different types of pelvic exercisers. According to DukeHealth.org, one type is called a vaginal cone. This is a weighted cone shape that is inserted into the vagina. Another type of pelvic exerciser looks more like a long plastic tube, also inserted into the vagina.
Why Pelvic Exercisers are Used
Pelvic exercisers are used to improve tone and strength in the pelvic muscles. MayoClinic.com explains that weak pelvic floor muscles can cause urinary or fecal incontinence, as well as sexual problems, like inability to reach orgasm. The pelvic floor muscles can become weak as you age or because of pregnancy, childbirth or being overweight.
How to Use Pelvic Exercisers
The Continence Foundation states that vaginal cones come in sets with different weights or have one cone to which different weights can be added. Starting out with a low weight, the vaginal cone is inserted into the vagina as you go about your daily routine for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Your pelvic muscles hold the weight in, strengthening them. Gradually, you can use more weight and keep it in for longer. For the plastic tube type of pelvic exerciser, you insert it into your vagina and concentrate on squeezing the pelvic muscles to tighten around the device.
Where to Get a Pelvic Exerciser
Talk to your doctor before using a pelvic toner to get approval and possibly recommendations on a particular kind of toner. Pelvic toners can be purchased from many stores online if you can't find one in your area.
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