Pelvic Floor Exercisers: Overview and Comparison

In this guide, you will find a complete overview and comparison of all types of pelvic floor exercisers. Today, the term "pelvic floor exerciser" has become established, but these products are also marketed as "Kegel trainers", "vaginal trainers", training aids for the pelvic floor muscles and similar terms. One thing stands out: there are many pelvic floor exercisers for women, but only a few that are also suitable for men. We compare all types of devices and provide information about their use.
In addition, we introduce optional aids that are less well known but have also proven to be highly effective – including for men and a healthy prostate, because the pelvic floor and prostate function are closely connected.

Your Benefit in This Guide:

• Unlike AI-generated texts, which can only provide general information, this guide is based on professional expertise as a midwife, pelvic floor therapist and menopause consultant. Thanks to this added value of real information from decades of practical experience, personal testing and feedback from actual users, you can make a much better decision about which training aids suit you best than by relying solely on descriptions or technical data.
• I am in constant contact with people and a wide range of pelvic floor-related concerns through the blog Therapeutic Questions.
• You will also receive further information about many ano-genital conditions affecting women and men (see links and list at the end).

Contents:

Vaginal Cones

Vaginal cones (also simply called "cones" or "Kegels") are among the earliest modern aids for pelvic floor workout. They are usually sold as a set with different weights. Their use is based on a static principle: by consciously, and therefore actively, "holding" the inserted cones in place, the pelvic floor muscles are intended to become stronger. This method was developed in the 1950s by the gynaecologist Arnold Kegel – which is why the term "Kegel training" became established.

However, in my practice I repeatedly found that vaginal cones are too small for many women and tend to slip out of the vagina during movement. As a result, they mainly promote continuous muscle tension, which can lead to tension or even cramping – especially in people with hypertonicity (increased muscle tone).

Conclusion: Vaginal cones do not generate any impulses and are therefore designed purely for active "weight-based" training. Because their shape often encourages intuitive, constant tension, I generally do not recommend them for therapeutic use.

Electrical Training Devices: EMS and TENS

To support pelvic floor workout, there are devices that activate the muscles using electrical stimulation. A distinction is made between Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Through a vaginal or rectal probe, these devices deliver targeted impulses that trigger muscle contractions. They are used both to improve awareness and to strengthen the muscles – for example during postnatal recovery or after surgery.

Some models – such as those produced by tic Medizintechnik – can be prescribed by a doctor and borrowed through health insurance. They offer different training programmes for specific conditions, and users receive individual instruction from medical professionals.

Despite their technical sophistication, it is important to understand that electrically induced contractions are essentially muscle twitches and do not replace active* muscle training. For a permanently strong and functional pelvic floor, conscious exercises performed independently are essential. The effect is comparable to abdominal muscle pads that promise a six-pack while sitting on the sofa. Such devices may provide support at best, but they never replace active* training.

The devices generally require a daily training session of around 20 minutes over several months, following a carefully structured programme. In many cases, the costs are covered by health insurance.

Conclusion: Quite time-consuming and only moderately effective when used passively and without active participation. You will achieve your goals more quickly with active* exercises and passive* stimulation.

*What Is "Active" or "Passive" Training?
"Active training" refers to consciously performing exercises that involve alternating contraction and relaxation, such as during a pelvic floor class or pelvic floor workout. Because of the effort involved, active training is usually performed for relatively short periods.
"Passive training" takes place through external stimulation over a longer period of time (for example through Kegel balls during daily life). Broadly speaking, there are three levels of intensity:

• Intense impulses: perceived as erotic stimulation, leading to active contractions of the pelvic floor muscles; electrical stimulation tends to produce involuntary muscle twitches
• Weaker but still noticeable impulses can be used as a "memory effect" to encourage active contractions
• Even very weak impulses (below the threshold of perception) can have a significant training effect, for example on important parts of the sphincter muscles.

All of these are forms of biofeedback (simplified: muscle responses).

Pelvic Floor Exercisers With App and Biofeedback

Pelvic floor exercisers connected to a smartphone app – so-called app-based pelvic floor exercisers such as Perifit or Emy by Fizimed – consist of a probe with an integrated sensor that is inserted vaginally and a smartphone app that visually guides the training process. Both devices are approved medical aids and may be prescribed by a doctor in certain cases.

The probe measures muscle activity using integrated pressure sensors. The app offers structured training programmes for awareness, strengthening or postnatal recovery. Before the first use, a calibration process takes place: the individual muscle tone is analysed and the app adjusts the programmes accordingly.

The training process is presented through so-called "gamification" elements: in a game-like format, the user may have to jump over obstacles by contracting the muscles and land by relaxing them. Performance is evaluated, progress is tracked and points or medals provide additional motivation.

As innovative as this method may sound, it also has disadvantages from a therapeutic perspective: the programmes require full concentration on what is happening on the screen. This distracts from the actual goal – consciously feeling and differentiating the sensations of your own pelvic floor. The connection between the digital game and physical sensation remains abstract, while the physical integration and internalisation of the movement often takes a secondary role.

In addition, app-based pelvic floor exercisers are not intended for passive pelvic floor training* or use in daily life. Their use is limited in time and requires regular charging. Continuous stimulation through movement – as can be achieved with vibrating Kegel balls – does not occur.

Conclusion: App-based pelvic floor exercisers provide motivation, structure and control – but they do not replace intensive, body-focused work with your own pelvic floor. They are useful as a supplementary training aid, but deeper body awareness and true integration must be achieved through other methods.

Balloon-Based Pelvic Floor Exercisers

A special approach to pelvic floor workout involves devices that use inflatable balloons. One well-known example is the EPI-NO®, originally developed for birth preparation but also used during postnatal recovery.

A soft balloon is partially inserted into the vagina and then gradually inflated. Some models include an integrated pressure gauge that measures both the filling volume and the resistance created. This allows the individual flexibility and muscular response of the pelvic floor to be assessed more accurately. This type of training promotes awareness and responsiveness of the pelvic floor muscles in a very direct way. Users receive immediate feedback about muscle tension and control.

Conclusion: These devices are rather cumbersome and are generally less suitable for private use. They are more appropriate in a clinical setting or for trained professionals, either for diagnostic purposes or for targeted, short exercise sessions in specific situations – for example after childbirth or as part of therapeutic care.

Solid or Hollow Balls Without Vibration

In addition to vibrating Kegel balls, there are also hollow or solid pelvic floor balls without an inner ball and therefore without vibration. These are often made from solid or hollow metal, stainless steel or other metals.

Hollow Balls
Hollow balls (without an inner ball) are often marketed as imitations of Kegel balls (with an inner ball) under fantasy names such as orgasm balls, XXL Kegel balls, pleasure balls and similar terms. They are generally much larger than conventional Kegel balls and are intended solely for erotic stimulation through the sensation of being filled. Even though they are often advertised as training aids, they have virtually no effect as pelvic floor exercisers. In addition, they are commonly supplied with strings attached through holes in the balls, allowing residues to accumulate inside the hollow space – making these models highly questionable from a hygiene perspective.

Conclusion: Hollow balls are unsuitable as "Kegel ball imitations" for both active* and passive* pelvic floor training and are often potentially harmful to health.

Be Careful With Cheap Metal Products:
Many balls or sex toys made of metal that are sold on low-cost platforms under the description "stainless steel" are in reality made from inferior non-ferrous metals coated with shiny finishes. These products and materials pose a significant health risk: prolonged use inside the body and contact with mucous membranes can accelerate the release of harmful substances and may trigger severe allergic reactions. Inferior chrome coatings are particularly dangerous because they may contain residues of chromium(VI) or other harmful substances that can even be carcinogenic. For this reason, you should avoid products that do not clearly specify the materials used.

Solid Balls
Solid balls made from metal or stainless steel, such as Theros® Massive Balls, are considerably heavier than classic Kegel balls because they contain no hollow space. The concept is to make pelvic floor exercises in horizontal positions (all fours, knee-elbow position, prone position, etc.) more efficient with the help of tools. Kegel balls, vaginal cones or other weights intended for use in an upright position are barely effective during movements on a horizontal plane because gravity has less influence. To provide resistance to contractions on a horizontal plane, maximum weight is required – in other words, a very heavy metal ball without a hollow space, such as Theros Massive Balls.
During these exercises, solid balls are also highly erotically stimulating through their intense contact with the G-spot in the prone position and the cervix in the supine position with the pelvis raised.

Caution with pelvic floor exercises in an upright position: due to their high weight in relation to their size, solid balls require enormous strength to hold or lift. Even short exercise sequences with smaller, lighter solid balls require very well-trained pelvic floor muscles. Solid balls are therefore mainly used in an upright position by advanced users who want to practise vaginal weightlifting, especially the large balls weighing more than 500 grams.
Because of the enormous strain, vaginal use in daily life is generally not advisable. Anal use, however, is usually not a problem, as the anal area normally has considerably stronger pelvic floor muscles. In this use, solid balls also generate intense erotic stimulation.

Theros® Massive Balls are the only solid metal balls made from biocompatible implant-grade steel AISI 316L. This material is used for implants and releases no harmful substances, even during long-term use inside the body. Theros® Massive Balls are available in four sizes from 36 to 50 mm and with weights from 140 to 520 grams.

Conclusion: Useful for making pelvic floor exercises in horizontal positions more efficient and for very advanced, ambitious users.

Yoni Eggs

Yoni eggs – often also called yoni balls – have their origins in ancient Asian traditions, especially Taoism. There, they were used to promote female sexual energy, body awareness and energy work. Today, they are especially popular because of their aesthetic appearance.

The eggs are usually made from semi-precious stones such as rose quartz, jade, obsidian or amethyst. Depending on the stone, they are said to have specific energetic effects: rose quartz, for example, is said to open the heart, strengthen trust and have an emotionally healing effect. However, these effects are based on esoteric beliefs and are 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 in body exercises, meditation or erotic self-exploration.

However, there are health limitations to consider: because the solid stones draw heat from the body when worn for longer periods, this can lead to irritation in the bladder area – especially with larger or immobile eggs. Possible consequences include bladder discomfort, frequent urination and even bladder infections.

In addition, when buying them, you should make sure the surface is untreated and natural. Many inexpensive products are chemically smoothed or polished – residues of these substances can penetrate deep into porous stones and pose health risks during vaginal contact.

If you want to use yoni eggs, you should pay attention to high material quality, verified manufacturers and mindful use – and ideally not wear them permanently.

Conclusion: Yoni eggs are also intended for use in daily life, but they do not generate any active impulses. The following tool is far more efficient:

Kegel Balls – From Sex Toy to Medical Device

Kegel balls – also known as vaginal balls, Geisha balls, love balls, smart balls or pleasure balls – were originally developed as sex toys. They consist of a hollow outer ball containing 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 batteries – body movement alone is enough to set the balls in motion. However, quality is crucial: many products – including those marketed with grand promises – generate hardly any noticeable vibrations or fit poorly inside the body. Erotic products are not required to prove their effectiveness.

Medical Kegel balls are completely different: they are approved as certified medical devices and meet the highest standards for materials, effectiveness and safety. They combine targeted pelvic floor workout with sensual stimulation.

Conclusion: Kegel balls are the pelvic floor exercisers with the greatest differences in quality – ranging from virtually ineffective sex toys to highly efficient medical devices. More about this in the next section:

The Most Effective Pelvic Floor Exercisers

Based on my many years of experience as a midwife and therapist specialising in the pelvic floor and sexuality, I can say that medically certified Kegel balls (see below for more information) are among the most effective pelvic floor training aids available. I would like to explain very precisely and clearly why:

Multi-Dimensional Effects in Daily Life:

• Optimal Kegel balls improve body awareness: simply feeling them while wearing them in daily life increases awareness of your pelvic floor.
• They unconsciously remind you to activate your muscles and correct your posture – for example when lifting, climbing stairs or walking.
• The micro-vibrations generated by movement reflexively activate the sphincter muscles – an important factor in preventing and treating incontinence, especially urinary incontinence.
• Regular stimulation improves neuromuscular control – you feel more, train more effectively and regain confidence in your body.

More Weight = Better Training Results

• The weight of the balls plays an important role in training effectiveness. Studies show that progressive resistance training – similar to strength training – increases muscle strength. This is why it is beneficial to be able to choose from different sizes and weights and gradually increase the challenge.
• Kegel balls have a decisive advantage over vaginal cones: because of their shape, they are easier to hold in place and allow the use of greater weight.
• The more options available in terms of weight and size, the better the training can be adapted to your body and your progress. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, medical Kegel balls allow you to start gently and improve sustainably.

"Medical Kegel Balls" and "Medical Device" – An Important Difference

The term "medical Kegel balls" is not legally defined and can therefore be used freely. The situation is completely different for the term "medical device": Kegel balls that are certified as medical devices must demonstrate clinically proven effectiveness for the pelvic floor. In addition, their safety of use and freedom from harmful substances are ensured by CE certification.

Viball® Kegel balls are certified medical devices and therefore fulfil these requirements – as the only Kegel balls in Europe! In addition, the vibration efficiency of all six sizes has been proven to be physically unsurpassable. This means they provide maximum effectiveness throughout the entire pelvic floor – for women and men – together with the pleasant "side effects" of erotic stimulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Special Pelvic Floor Exercisers for Women?

All aids for pelvic floor workout are primarily aimed at women, and some are specifically designed for women: vaginal cones, app-based pelvic floor exercisers, balloon-based training devices and yoni eggs. The word "yoni" comes from Sanskrit and refers to the female genitals.

Are There Special Pelvic Floor Exercisers for Men?

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

In addition, certain Kegel balls are specifically designed for anal use, such as Viball®: vibrating balls made from genuine polished implant-grade steel that are highly hygienic and can even be sterilised. They have no strings, are very easy to insert and clean, and because nothing protrudes outside the body, they can be used discreetly in daily life, during sport or even during sex. Viball® Kegel balls for men and women are certified medical devices for the pelvic floor and continence with proven effectiveness. For men, they also have a positive effect on the prostate, potency and erectile function.

Do Kegel Balls Help With Incontinence?

In principle, yes – provided that their effectiveness is high enough. Numerous studies show that targeted pelvic floor workout with medical Kegel balls and the impulses they generate during daily life are among the most effective measures for preventing and treating urinary incontinence, particularly stress incontinence. The micro-vibrations stimulate the deep muscles and improve neuromuscular control, although a certain level of impulse strength is required. In products such as Viball®, this impulse strength is maximised thanks to the material and precisely calculated components. As a medical device, its effectiveness has been proven.

Is It Normal If I Cannot Feel Anything?

In principle, you cannot automatically equate "effectiveness" with "feeling" something. For example, you cannot feel the extremely fine impulses generated by a pacemaker, yet it is highly effective. In the same way, your fast-twitch fibres (finely innervated muscle fibres that react extremely quickly) can be stimulated below the threshold of perception. These fibres are an essential part of your sphincter muscles, and this subtle stimulation strengthens continence.
However, if your pelvic floor muscles are weak, it is possible that you will hardly notice even stronger vibrations. In this case, a larger or heavier ball may help, or a model with particularly strong vibration characteristics such as Viball®. Over time, as the muscles improve, sensation usually becomes more intense as well.

Are Kegel Balls Safe After Childbirth or During Menopause?

Yes – provided that they are well designed and made from high-quality materials. After childbirth and during menopause, the pelvic floor is particularly sensitive. This makes it even more important to use safe, hygienic products free from harmful substances. Medically certified Kegel balls such as Viball® have been specifically developed for these stages of life. They can help strengthen the muscles gently, improve body awareness and support continence. Before using them after childbirth, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

How Should Kegel Balls Be Cleaned?

After each use, the balls should be cleaned with warm water and a mild, preferably fragrance-free cleansing gel or soap. High-quality models such as Viball® can even be sterilised – for example in a clinic or in a steam steriliser. This ensures maximum hygiene, although it is generally not necessary. The use of disinfectants is not recommended, as they may disturb the sensitive vaginal and intestinal flora. Avoid products with grooves, porous materials or absorbent strings, as they are difficult to clean and therefore unhygienic.

Which Sports Train the Pelvic Floor?

This question is not easy to answer. It depends on the condition of the pelvic floor and on how the particular sport is performed.

If we assume that the pelvic floor is healthy and the sport is practised correctly, many activities are beneficial, including strength training, walking, jogging, dancing, yoga and Pilates. An important prerequisite is good body awareness and correct posture during exercise.

On the other hand, so-called high-impact sports with sudden, strong impact forces on the pelvic floor and joints should be avoided, for example tennis, squash, badminton, handball, basketball and volleyball. Trampolining is particularly demanding because it repeatedly creates 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 proven health-related effect, be clinically tested and be made from safe, body-compatible materials. In Europe, it must carry the CE mark, which confirms compliance with legal requirements regarding safety, effectiveness and quality. Unlike erotic products, medical devices are not allowed to make unsupported claims – every statement must be backed by evidence. Viball® Kegel balls are certified medical devices with proven effectiveness for the pelvic floor. This comes at a price, but beyond their exceptional effectiveness they are also highly sustainable and environmentally friendly compared with disposable silicone products that place a considerable burden on the environment.

You May Also Be Interested In:

• Kegel Balls: How To Use Them, Effects, Safe Materials And How To Choose
• Anal Beads: More Than a Sex Toy
• Pelvic Floor Workout for Men: Benefits, Ways and Alternatives
• Pelvic Floor Training After Birth With Kegel Balls: How to Find the Right Ones to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
• Cystocele (Prolapsed Bladder): Symptoms and Treatment Options