Pelvic floor exerciser: Aids for pelvic muscle workout

Pelvic floor exerciser - overview and comparison

In this guide you will find an overview and comparison of pelvic muscle training aids. Alternative terms for these aids are Kegel balls, Ben Wa balls, vaginal trainers, love balls, training aids for the pelvic floor muscles, etc. There are many pelvic muscle workout aids for women, but only a few pelvic floor exercisers that are also suitable for men.

From my experience as a midwife and pelvic floor therapist, I can give you expert advice and tips on selection and use. With this added value of real information from my decades of practice, from my personal experiments and feedback from real users, you can make a much better decision which training aids are best for you than by relying on pure descriptions or data alone.

You can find the different types of pelvic floor exercisers in the table of contents:

Vaginal cones

Vaginal cones are among the first modern aids for pelvic muscle training. They are usually offered as a set with cones of different weights. The application is based on a static principle: the pelvic floor muscles are strengthened by actively "contracting to hold" the inserted cones. This method was developed in the 1950s by gynaecologist Arnold Kegel - hence the terms "Kegel" or "Kegel training".

In practice, however, it has been shown that vaginal cones are too small or too light for many women and may easily slip out of the vagina during movement. In addition, they promote constant tension in the muscles, which can lead to tightness or even cramps - especially in people with hypertonia (increased muscle tension). As they hardly promote the active interplay of tension and relaxation, I do not recommend them for therapeutic use.

Electrical training devices: EMS and TENS

To support pelvic muscle training, there are devices that use stimulation current to activate the muscles. A distinction is made between electrical-muscle stimulation (EMS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The devices use a vaginal or rectal probe to emit targeted impulses that trigger muscle contractions. They are used to train perception as well as for strengthening - for example in postnatal recovery or after surgery.

Some models - such as those from tic Medizintechnik (a German company) or more widely known in the UK, Tens Machine UK (Med-Fit UK Ltd) among others - are particularly popular. They offer various exercise programmes for specific complaints and patients are individually trained in their use by specialist clinical staff.

Despite their technical sophistication, it is important to know that electrically triggered contractions are not a replacement for active muscle training. For a permanently strong and functional pelvic floor, conscious, independently performed exercises are required. The effect is comparable to abdominal stimulators that promise a six-pack while sitting on the sofa: they may support, but they do not replace proper training.

Furthermore, the application usually requires a daily training period of around 20 minutes over several months. This can be time-consuming, but it is often offset by the fact that the devices may be covered by health insurance and come with structured guidance. Passive use alone is therefore not sufficient.

Smart pelvic floor trainer with app

So-called smart pelvic floor trainers - such as Perifit or Emy from Fizimed - are very popular. They consist of a sensor probe that is inserted vaginally and an app that visually accompanies the training. Both devices are approved as medical aids and can be prescribed by a doctor in certain cases.

The probe uses integrated pressure sensors to measure muscle activity. Structured exercise programmes are offered via the app, for example for awareness, strengthening or postnatal recovery. Before the first use, the device is calibrated: it analyses the individual's muscle tone and the app then adapts the training programmes accordingly.

The training is presented using gamification elements: In a game format, the user has to jump over hurdles, for example - by tensing up - and land - by relaxing. Performance is assessed, progress is tracked and points or medals provide additional motivation.

As innovative as this approach may sound, it also has some therapeutic limitations: The programmes require full concentration on what is happening on the screen. This distracts from the actual goal: the conscious feeling and differentiated perception of the pelvic floor. The link between digital interaction and physical sensation often remains abstract - physical integration and internalisation of the movement can easily take a back seat.

Moreover, these devices are not intended for passive everyday use. Their use is time-limited and requires regular recharging. There is no continuous stimulation through movement - as is possible, for instance, with vibrating balls.

In short, smart trainers offer motivation, structure and feedback - but they are no replacement for deep, body-based pelvic muscle training. They are useful as a complementary tool, but deeper body awareness and genuine integration must be developed by other means.

Training equipment with balloon

Devices that work with inflatable balloons are a specialized approach to pelvic floor training. One well-known model is the EPI-NO®, which was originally developed for birth preparation but is also used in postnatal training.

A soft balloon is partially inserted vaginally and then gradually inflated. Some models have an integrated pressure gauge that measures both the inflation volume and the resulting back pressure. This makes it easier to assess the individual stretchability and muscular response of the pelvic floor.

This type of training promotes the awareness and responsiveness of the pelvic floor muscles very directly. Users receive immediate feedback on the state of tension and muscular control - an advantage over purely passive devices.

However, these products are not suitable for everyday use: they cannot be worn on the go or for extended periods, but are intended only for targeted, short exercise sessions. In practice, they are therefore more likely to be used for diagnostics or for selective stabilisation in specific cases - for example after birth or as part of therapeutic care.

Solid or hollow balls without vibration

In addition to Kegel balls with vibration, there are also hollow or solid pelvic floor balls without an inner ball, i.e. without vibration. These are often made of solid or hollow metal, stainless steel or other metals.

Hollow balls are larger than Kegel balls and are used for erotic stimulation through the feeling of being filled. However, they have no function as a pelvic floor training aid as they have little to no effect on pelvic floor training.

Solid balls made of metal or stainless steel such as Theros® Massive Balls are considerably heavier than classic Kegel balls. The use of smaller solid balls as weights for pelvic floor exercises requires well-developed pelvic floor muscles, while the use of larger balls requires extremely well-trained pelvic floor muscles. Due to their high weight in relation to their size, they require significant holding power and are particularly suitable for users who practise vaginal strength training in the style of the initiator Kim Amani (Vaginal Kung Fu). Long-term use of solid balls in the vagina is not recommended due to the intense strain.

When used anally, solid balls can also be worn in an upright position for longer periods of time, as the anal area has considerably more powerful pelvic floor muscles than the vaginal area. Here solid balls are also used for erotic stimulation.

In horizontal positions (quadruped, knee-elbow or prone position etc.), however, the weight does not have such an extreme effect and increases the efficiency of horizontal pelvic floor exercises, while solid balls also have a very erotic stimulating effect.

Beware of cheap products
Many baubles or sex toys made of metal that are offered on cheap platforms under the term "stainless steel" are actually made of inferior non-ferrous metals that are coated with shiny coatings. These products and materials pose a high health risk: prolonged wear in the body with mucous membrane contact accelerates the release of harmful substances and can trigger severe allergies. Low-quality chrome coatings are particularly dangerous: they can contain chromium (VI) residues or other harmful substances that can even be carcinogenic. You should therefore avoid products that do not clearly state the materials used.

100% biocompatible and safe:

Theros® Massive Balls are the only solid metal balls made from biocompatible AISI 316L implant-grade stainless steel. This material is used for implants and does not release any harmful substances, even when used permanently in the body.

Yoni Eggs / Yoni Balls

Yoni eggs - often also called yoni balls - have their origins in ancient Asian traditions, particularly in Taoism. There, they were used to promote female sexual power, body awareness and energy work. Today, they enjoy great popularity mainly due to their aesthetic appeal.

The eggs are usually made of semi-precious stones such as rose quartz, jade, obsidian or amethyst. Depending on the stone, they are said to have a specific energetic effect: Rose quartz, for example, is said to open the heart, strengthen trust and have an emotionally healing effect. However, these effects are esoteric in nature, not medically proven.

Yoni eggs are egg-shaped and do not vibrate. They act on the pelvic floor muscles through their own weight and are often used as part of physical exercises, meditation or erotic self-awareness.

However, there are health restrictions to consider: As the solid stones draw heat from the body when worn for long periods of time, this can lead to irritation in the bladder area - especially with larger or immobile eggs. Possible consequences include bladder problems, frequent urination and even bladder infections.

You should also look for an untreated, natural surface when buying. Many cheap products are chemically smoothed or polished - residues of these agents can penetrate deep into porous stones and pose health risks in the event of vaginal contact.

If you want to use yoni eggs, you should pay attention to high material quality, certified manufacturers and careful use - and ideally not wear them permanently.

Love balls - from sex toy to medical device

Love balls - also known as vaginal balls, Geisha balls, Ben Wa balls, smart balls or pleasure balls - were originally developed as sex toys. They consist of a hollow outer ball with a smaller, heavier ball inside. When walking, jumping or making other movements, the inner ball begins to rotate - creating more or less noticeable micro-vibrations in the vaginal or anal area.

This mechanical principle works entirely without a battery - the movement of the body is enough to set the balls vibrating. However, quality is crucial: many products - even those with grandiose promises - generate barely perceptible vibrations or do not sit well in the body. This is because erotic products do not have to demonstrate any effect.

The situation is completely different with medical love balls: they are approved as certified medical products and meet the highest requirements in terms of material, effectiveness and safety. They combine targeted pelvic floor training with sensual stimulation - and have a proven effect.

The best pelvic floor exercisers: medically certified love balls

From my many years of experience as a midwife and therapist for the pelvic floor and sexuality, I can say that high-quality, medically certified love balls (see below for more information) are among the most effective training aids for the pelvic floor. Why?

Multidimensional effect in everyday life:

• The balls promote body awareness: Simply being able to feel them in everyday life strengthens your awareness of your own pelvic floor.
• They subconsciously remind you to actively use your muscles - e.g. when lifting, climbing stairs or running.
• The micro-vibrations triggered by movement reflexively activate the sphincter muscles - an important factor in the prevention and treatment of incontinence, especially urinary incontinence.
• Regular stimulation improves neuromuscular control - you feel more, train more effectively and regain confidence in your body.

More weight = more training success

• The weight of the balls plays an important role in the training effect. Studies show that progressive weight training - similar to resistance training - increases muscle strength. It therefore makes sense to be able to choose from different sizes and weights and to increase the training individually.
• Love balls have a decisive advantage over vaginal cones: They are easier to hold and you can use a heavier weight.
• The more choice of weight and size - the better the training can be customised to your body and your progress. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, medical love balls offer the opportunity to start gently and build up sustainably.

What do "medical love balls" and "medical device" mean?

The term "medical love balls" is not legally defined, so it can be used in any way you like. Quite the opposite of the term "medical device": love balls that are certified as medical devices must be clinically proven to be effective on the pelvic floor. In addition, CE marking guarantees that they are safe to use and free from harmful substances.

Viball® love balls are medical products and fulfil these requirements. In addition, the effectiveness of the vibration in each of the six sizes is demonstrably unrivalled in physical terms. They are therefore maximally effective in all areas of the pelvic floor - for women and for men - with the pleasant "side effects" of erotic stimulation.

The most frequently asked questions

Are there special pelvic floor trainers for women?

All pelvic floor training aids are primarily aimed at women, some of them even specifically designed for women: Vaginal cones, smart pelvic floor trainers, training devices with (vaginal) balloons and Yoni eggs. The word "yoni" comes from Sanskrit and refers to the female genitalia.

Are there special pelvic floor exercisers for men?

Some of the products presented here can also be used as pelvic floor trainers for men: The electrical (EMS or TENS) aids are also available with an anal probe.

There are also certain love balls that are also designed for anal use, such as Viball®: vibrating balls made of real, polished implant steel that are very hygienic and can even be sterilised. They have no straps and are very easy to insert and clean. And because nothing protrudes externally, can even be used discreetly in everyday life, during sport or sex. Viball® love balls for men and women are certified medical devices for pelvic floor and continence with proven effectiveness. In men, they also have a positive effect on the prostate, potency and erection.

Do love balls help against incontinence?

Yes, numerous studies have shown that targeted pelvic floor training is one of the most effective measures for preventing and treating urinary incontinence - especially stress incontinence. The micro-vibrations of the balls stimulate the deep muscles and improve muscular control. Medically certified products such as Viball® have proven their effectiveness in studies and help to improve bladder control.

Is it normal if I can't feel anything?

If your pelvic floor muscles are weak, you may hardly notice the balls at first, if at all. This doesn't mean that they don't work - but that your body still needs training. In this case, a larger or heavier ball can help, or a model with particularly strong vibration such as Viball®. Over time, the muscles will improve - and the sensation will also become more intense. It is therefore quite normal to "feel nothing" at the beginning.

Are love balls safe after childbirth or during the menopause?

Yes - provided they are well-designed and made of high-quality materials. The pelvic floor is particularly sensitive after childbirth and during the menopause. This makes it all the more important to use safe, hygienic products free from harmful substances. Medically certified love balls such as Viball® have been specially developed for these phases of life. They can help to gently strengthen the muscles, improve body awareness and support continence. Consultation with a specialist is recommended before use after childbirth.

How do you clean love balls properly?

After each use, the balls should be cleaned with warm water and a mild, preferably fragrance-free washing gel or soap. High-quality models such as Viball®, can even be sterilised - e.g. in a clinic or steam steriliser. This ensures maximum hygiene, though it is not usually necessary. The use of disinfectants is not recommended; they disrupt the sensitive vaginal and intestinal flora. Avoid products with grooves, porous materials or absorbent strings - they are difficult to clean and are unhygienic in the long term.

Which sport trains the pelvic floor?

This question is not so easy to answer. It depends on the condition of the pelvic floor and the type of sport being performed.

If we assume that the pelvic floor is fit and the sport is practised appropriately, many types of sport are beneficial, e.g. strength training, walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, and Pilates. An important prerequisite for practising a sport appropriately is good body awareness and correct posture.

On the other hand, you should avoid so-called "high-impact sports" with abrupt, strong impacts on the pelvic floor and joints, e.g. tennis, squash, badminton, but also handball, basketball and volleyball. And especially trampolining, as this constantly puts enormous pressure on the pelvic floor.

What makes a product a genuine medical device?

A genuine medical device must meet strict criteria: It must have a demonstrable effect on health, be clinically tested and be made of safe materials that are compatible with the body. In Europe, it must be labelled with the CE mark - this guarantees that it meets the legal requirements for safety, effectiveness and quality. Unlike erotic toys, medical devices are not allowed to make unsubstantiated promises: Every claim must be backed up by data. Viball® love balls are certified medical products with a proven effect on the pelvic floor.

This might also interest you:

• What are Kegel balls and how to find the best?
• Anal beads: More than just a sex toy for men
• Kegel exercises for men: How-to guide
• Kegel balls against pelvic floor dysfunction after pregnancy
• Prolapsed bladder (Cystocele): Symptoms and treatment