Pelvic floor exercises have never been easier but for some reason even though loads and loads of women suffer with pelvic floor related problems it’s one of those subjects that isn’t really talked about openly. We’ll joke about periods, male members, sexual experiences and sex toys. But a tool/object that gets inserted into a vagina to help with pelvic floor muscle weakness causes all sorts of giggles and embarrassment.
As a woman in my mid 40’s I’m very aware that my body is starting to show the strains of life (no pun intended!) and my pelvic floor is one of the areas that’s taken some strain over the years. To be fair it’s not too bad considering I had my children late in life (I’m one of those older mum statistics) and I had my two pregnancies very close to each other … there are only 14 months between my eldest and her twin sisters. Luckily, I’ve never had any major leakage (apart from when I ‘Pogo’ at parties or do a seat drop on a trampoline!).
But since having the girls and stepping into my 40’s the old ‘lady muscles’ weren’t feeling as strong as they used to. It was all feeling a bit relaxed and heavy. I knew I should be doing pelvic floor exercises but I just didn’t remember, unless I was verbally prompted (TV, Radio etc) and then I’d start a short lived clenching regime.
Kegel8 Smart Balls
Now I won’t lie … it took me a few weeks to get into the habit of using my Kegel8 Smart Balls regularly. It wasn’t that they were hard to use. It was the remembering thing again and took me a while to get into a routine. Once I’d got inot the habit of using them though it was all very straight forward.
Don’t be put off by the size of them … I have small hands! They are very easy to insert and come with a lubricating gel that you put over them first.
The Kegel8 Smart Balls are made of a silky feel synthetic material (think of brushed silk) and come with an antibacterial cleaning spray as well as the lubricant (both of which you can buy separately when the need arises). You pop them into your vagina for 20 minutes a day and let them do their business. The balls are weighted and gently oscillate inside the vagina causing your pelvic floor muscles to naturally reflex … all helping to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle groups. If you want a stronger work out there is also an online exercise plan that you can follow.
I found inserting the the Kegel8 Smart Balls pretty easy and couldn’t feel them once they were in situ, although the loop/handle that sticks out gets a bit of getting used to. Pulling the loop forward was the most comfortable position for me. Once in you can continue doing things as normal … school run, housework, gardening, job. In fact it’s easy to forget you have them in if you’re not careful!
Getting them out was just as easy … relax and pull. Then a quick rinse with soapy water and pop them back in the little satin bag that comes with them.
It really is simple.
You don’t get results immediately and it takes a good 12 weeks to feel the full impact of them but don’t let that put you off as I was feeling improvements after only a few weeks of use.
These are now part of my (almost daily) Pelvic Floor Exercise routine and I can feel a difference. My cervix has lifted (I use a moon cup and can feel that it’s higher) and my vaginal walls are feeling tighter and less droopy. Having a physical object to help with my exercises is surprisingly more motivational than I’d have imagined and I would recommend having a set.
Kegel8 have a variety of pelvic floor exercisers including a range for men so it can be a bit daunting knowing what to purchase. Thankfully they have a help line number where you can get advice on which product may be better suited to you.
So ladies, put away your embarrassment. Your pelvic floor needs you!
Brilliant review – they certainly seem to do the trick really well and I’m glad you describe them so well because they do look like they’d be rubbery and maybe cause a little friction, nice to hear they don’t 🙂
well done! glad it works for you!
what a fab review. I have heard of them before, never used them but my pelvic floor does need some work so might just try them
I am intrigued by these, I am sure after 6 children that they would be a benefit to me. I also want to try a moon cup but I suffer badly with heavy periods so am worried about trying it
Oh what a great review and well done you for doing it. I’ve only heard about them in passing, so good to find out more.
This is a great review – lots of detail. I think I’d find making the time the most difficult, but I guess if I had a problem I’d be motivated to do that.
Although I’d heard of these, I’d never seen them before. They don’t look quite as scary as I thought, and I’m sure they’d be useful for so many women.
I’ve never heard of them but I could certainly do with some!
I was clenching and releasing the whole time I was reading this post Anthea! I’m gald to hear they are working x
in my mind I am playing the ricky music reading this . I also think i could befit from this . Shakes fist at ten na lady
rocky music I mean
i have to admit my pelvic floor muscles are terrible and i should really try these once ive had baby to try and strengthen them a bit more
I have never used Kegel balls, but I started doing pelvic floor exercises over ten years ago and still do them unconsciously all the time. I can sneeze without peeing and also go on the trampoline too
Never heard of these but glad they work for you! 🙂 Great review and I love your blog. x x
A really interesting review. After 4 kids and a hysterectomy I could do with taking some proactive steps to maintain my pelvic floor.
What what a brilliant review, it’s something which isn’t spoken about often and effects so many
I did my pelvic floor exercises throughout reading this lol, glad they worked for you
I was just listening to Kim Kattrall on the radio earlier, talking about how as you get older, you need to exercise to hang onto your ‘assets’. Perhaps I should get hold of these and follow her advice 🙂
Oh, I may need these soon, the other week I nearly wet myself after the school run, I kid you not!xx
I have heard about these before but your review has described them well. These sounds very useful.
I had always imagined if you did not have any strength in your pelvic floor area in the first place then this type of product would be no good as they would not actually do any good. I like that they move about and so the hard work for you.
After being told I have a slight prolapse and to work my area I will need to buy something.
Are the Kegel8 balls safe to use during pregnancy?
Hi, yes they should be although if you’re unsure you can phone the Kegel people themselves or ask your doctor. They only sit just inside the vaginal cavity.