Kegel Weights
Brands: Kegel balls, Kegel cones, Yoni or jade egg, Ben Wa ball, and more
How it Works: Series of increasing weights inserted vaginally. Identifies and builds up Kegel muscles.
What you do: Squeeze to keep weights from falling
Pros: Inexpensive, Helps identify Kegel muscles
Cons: Requires dedicated time, Stay stationary, Requires privacy, Risk of infection
FDA cleared?: No
Price: $50-$100
Review: “Easy to use to isolate pelvic floor muscles. Once you identify your muscles, it’s easier to do Kegels anywhere on your own.”
Kegel Trainers
Brands: KegelSmart, kGoal, Elvie, PeriCoach
How it Works: Probe inserted vaginally. Measures strength of Kegels using biofeedback.
What you do: Squeeze with mobile app guide
Pros: Relatively inexpensive, Gives feedback on Kegel strength
Cons: Requires dedicated time, Stay stationary, Requires privacy, Risk of infection
FDA cleared?: Not for incontinence
Price: $100-$300
Review: “Fit can be uncomfortable. The games are fun at first. Once you identify pelvic floor muscles, it’s easier to do Kegels on your own.”
Magnetic Chairs
Brands: BTL Emsella
How it Works: Sit on a chair while magnetic field is passed through your pelvic floor
What you do: Sit on a special chair in the doctor’s office.
Pros: Easy to use, Use while fully clothed
Cons: Six treatment for $2000, Repeat visits to the doctor’s office, Questionable efficacy
FDA cleared?: Yes, prescription required
Price: $2000 for six treatments
User Review: “Nothing is inserted vaginally and clothes can be left on during treatment. Quite expensive for 6 visits and no guarantee that it will work.”
Vaginal Stimulation
Brands: Apex, Attain, Liberty, Yarlap, Kegel8, Leva
How it Works: Probe inserted vaginally. Does Kegels for you via electrical stimulation.
What you do: Let probe contract muscles for you.
Pros: Does Kegels for you
Cons: Requires dedicated time, Stay stationary lying down, Requires privacy, Risk of infection
FDA cleared?: Yes, but may require prescription
Price: $300-$1200, with some insurance coverage
User Review: “Clinically proven to work, and some are quite strong. Contracts the correct muscles for you, but the vaginal activation leaves you feeling somewhat “violated.” It’s hard to commit to consistent private sessions.”
(NEW!) External Stimulation
Brands: ELITONE
How it Works: GelPad worn externally. Does Kegels for you via electrical stimulation.
What you do: Let device contract muscles for you.
Pros: Does Kegels for you, No internal insertion, Worn under clothing, Can move around during treatment
Cons: Possibility of skin irritation
FDA cleared?: Yes, and no prescription required
Price: $399, with some insurance coverage
