Doing Kegel exercises are a mainstay of post-childbirth advice. Contracting and releasing the pelvic floor tightens and strengthens the pubococcygeus muscles, just like training any other muscles. But adding resistance might strengthen those muscles even faster. That's where a variety of Kegel-enhancing insertion devices come in.
Kegel Exercises
California gynecologist Arnold Kegel was the man for whom the exercise is named. He found that new mothers often had loose pelvic muscles and determined that they could be strengthened by his system of exercise. The exercise is simple. Both men and women squeeze the rectum and sphincter, as though trying to hold back gas. Women additionally squeeze the vagina. This is done without tightening the abdomen or buttocks. If you're still having trouble locating the muscles, practice in the bathroom by starting and stopping the flow of urine. That's the muscle. Once you can contract at will, try doing a set of 10 contractions twice a day. Work up to holding each contraction for five seconds.
Kegel Devices
Dr. Kegel experimented with providing resistance against which women could squeeze their vaginal muscles. He named his device the perinometer. It has fallen out of favor over the years, and most information on Kegel exercises does not involve insertion. But some companies do make and market similar devices, and insist that Kegeling with resistance will shape up the pelvic muscles much faster. Many of the devices look similar to sex toys, but have names like "vaginal weight" and "vaginal wand." The more complicated Kegelmaster 2000 has four stainless steel springs. You insert it several inches into your vagina, then loosen the adjustment knob the desired amount. The two sides come apart like a nutcracker. It has 15 levels of resistance for you to squeeze against, which provides up to 4.5 lbs of pressure. For pros, there's the Advanced Kegelmaster, which boasts 64 levels of resistance and 9.5 lbs maximum pressure. A tiny Pyrex barbell is another option. This dainty weight weighs 0.8 ounces and measures 4.4 inches long.
Contraindications
Some women should forego inserting Kegel devices, including those in their first trimester of pregnancy. If you've given birth or had pelvic surgery recently, don't use any Kegel machines until your doctor has cleared you for sexual intercourse. Don't insert any Kegel devices while using a tampon or diaphragm.
Uses
While Kegel exercises rose to fame as a cure for post-partum slack vaginas, they've proven useful for several other conditions. They are widely recommended to both men and women who suffer from urinary incontinence. They're also suggested for women who have a difficult time reaching orgasm, or those who simply want more pleasure out of sex.
