For women facing pelvic floor dysfunction, various issues like organ prolapse, bladder or bowel incontinence, and sexual dysfunction could be hindering life. Kegel exercise is a simple method of pelvic floor, genital, and abdominal muscle exercise to help stave off some of those issues. Kegel exercisers, or “Kegel balls,” have been around for hundreds of years and offer support to women practicing their Kegels.
Regular practice of Kegel exercise can help to strengthen the pelvic floor, prevent organ prolapse, easing issues with incontinence, and helping to restore lost sexual function. While Kegel exercise is a great, beneficial therapy for most women, there are some women that should NOT be practicing Kegel exercise. In some cases where the individual’s pelvic floor is high tone, low function, these exercises can exacerbate the issues. This is why it is best to be evaluated by a physical therapist with a pelvic floor specialty to ensure you are on the right track to restore your lost function (NIH).
There are different types and styles of Kegel “balls” and “exercisers” on the market. For the most part, the type you choose is entirely personal, or dependent on what your doctor or physical therapist has directed regarding their weights. All Kegel exercisers and balls are weighted and come in a variety of weights, sizes, colors, shapes, and textures.
Here are a few examples of what Kegel exercisers might look like:
It is important to note that when using Kegel exercisers, balls, or equipment that is inserted into the vagina, that quality lubrication is used to prevent skin damage or friction sores. Depending on your lubrication needs, a water-based or silicone-based lubrication would get the job done. You can find our recommendations on lubrication in our “Product Reviews and Recommendations” section.
Pelvic floor pain can make every day challenging and complicated, leading to mental health struggles, relationship disconnect, and many more tough circumstances. If you are experiencing these issues or pain, contact your gynecologist or medical doctor to be evaluated and the proper treatment plan begun.
Citations:
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Intimate Rose
CalEx
Purple Mountain Physical Therapy