Why every woman should use a kegel trainer

I was first introduced to kegel trainers during a tantric workshop in Thailand. The enthusiastic instructor whipped out (not from her vagina, thankfully) two mystical looking emerald eggs which she advised were inserted inside of her 'yoni' (yoni is the Sanskrit word for vagina) every day as she went about her day to day activities. She referred to them as ‘Yoni eggs’ and they sounded a lot more erotic than a way to improve incontinence after giving birth.

We were told they could greatly improve our sex life by tightening our vagina and intensifying orgasms. Win win for both partners! I was intrigued and vowed to buy a set as soon as I returned home. Like with everything else you commit to doing after coming home from holiday though, it didn't happen and I only revisited the idea after a bout of bad UTI’s left me with an overactive bladder.

Why use a kegal trainer?

Pelvic floor problems, including incontinence, are surprisingly common, affecting 1 in 3 women, and up to 80% of expectant and new mums.

A kegel trainer works by strengthening your pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a powerful set of muscles which sit like a hammock between the tailbone and pubic bone. They not only support and hold all of your central organs in place, they also play an important role in women’s health, including sexual and emotional wellbeing. These hidden, but very important set of muscles, lift and hold your core, affecting core stability, bladder control and sex.

How do kegel trainers work?

Kegel trainers typically come in two forms - either as an electronic device or as a set of weighted balls.

Electronic Kegel trainer

An electronic kegel trainer, such as the Elvie, is a small, silicone device which is inserted inside of you, while you do your kegel exercises. Elvie links to an app which gives you feedback as you exercise. 

"Understanding the way you exercise is essential. 30% of women push down when doing their kegels, which can lead to damage. Our patented technology measures force and motion that can detect incorrect contraction and helps you to improve your technique. Elvie Trainer cuts out all of the guesswork." A spokesperson from Elvie explained.

Kegel balls/weights

Kegel balls are body-safe hollow balls with tiny weights inside of them which are inserted inside the vagina and left there. Once they’re resting inside of you, the weights will move around, and your pelvic floor muscles will involuntarily contract as a result of this movement.

While it may sound daunting, it is actually quite effortless. The contractions are not uncomfortable, and you may actually find yourself experiencing pleasure from wearing them. With continued use, your pelvic floor muscles will strengthen thus improving bladder control and increasing the intensity of your orgasms.

It’s recommended that beginners try wearing kegel balls for half an hour, three times a week. Like with weights, you can increase the time as your vagina masters your current difficulty.

While the Elvie has won thirteen awards and is loved by woman worldwide, I personally prefer kegel balls as I'm lazy and I can pop them in and forget about them. If you want to improve your technique and measure your progress, while using a fun app at the same time, the Elvie is for you.

With all types of trainers, your top priority should be making sure they’re body safe, since you’re going to be inserting and removing them on a regular basis. You should ensure the materials are non-porous: avoid rubber and jelly, and lean toward silicone, glass and metal. If you opt for kegel balls, make sure the string is not a braided cloth string, it should be completely silicone coated.

If you are experiencing pelvic floor problems or if you want to improve your sex life, invest in a kegel trainer and you may enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Happy orgasms!