We understand there are a lot of options out there when it comes to pelvic floor training solutions.
But, they're not all created equal. Here's a quick layout of how we stack up against other therapies, products and solutions.
Comparison Table:
| Category | Description | Benefits | Considerations | Price Range | Comparison | Comments | Side Effects & Risks | Duration for Results | Duration of Usage | Effectiveness for Weakness Levels |
| Kegelbell | Weighted, external device outside body, with small insert in the vaginal canal to strengthen pelvic floor muscles to create automatic kegel reflex. | Effective, strengthens pelvic floor, advanced training | Must be comfortable with something an inch long inserted in the vaginal canal. | $45-100 | More effective than basic Kegels or internally held kegel weights | Used in a private place | Only if not washed properly before use | 2-8 weeks | 5 minutes 3 times a day | All Weakness levels |
| App-Based Exercises | Guided Kegel exercises with educational content. | Convenient, personalized guidance, potentially free. | May require discipline, phone access, privacy and data issues. | -varies | Compare features, content quality | May require a smartphone, internet access | Minor muscle strain from improper form | Varies depending on consistency | Daily use | Mild to Moderate Weakness |
| Kegel Weights | Weighted device inserted vaginally to strengthen muscles. | Can be effective for very lax muscles. | Requires practice, may not be comfortable for everyone. | $50-100 | More effective than basic Kegels | Requires internal use | UTIs, infection, irritation from inferior materials, can create hypertonic muscles due to instruction to use for 15 minute to many hours, which keeps muscles in a contracted position for too long. | 3-6 months | Daily use for 15-20 minutes up to several hours depending on instructions | Extreme Weakness as Mild to Moderate may not have challenge with light weight |
| Pelvic Mesh Surgery | Plastic mesh permanently installed in pelvic muscle | Prosthetic for weak muscle. | Invasive surgery, anesthesia, down time. | $10,000 | Perceived as quick fix | FDA declared high risk | Permanent debilitating pain, cuts penis upon entry, infection, irritation, burning senation | unknown | Permanent implant, cannot be removed without further injuiry | Extreme Weakness |
| Electro-stimulation | Device delivers electrical pulses to stimulate muscles. | Is necessarily painful, which some people like. 😈 | Requires dedicated time, privacy, potential for infection. | $300-1200 (some insurance coverage) | More effective than Kegels for some | Requires prescription for some devices | Skin irritation, muscle soreness, nerve damage over time, can interfere with heart conditions | 3-6 months | Daily or every other day for 20-30 minutes |
May be helpful for Moderate to Severe Weakness (consult doctor)
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| Magnetic Therapy | Chair transmits magnetic field to pelvic floor. | Easy to use, clothed treatment in a doctor's office. | Questionable efficacy, high cost. | $2000 (for 6 sessions) | Less effective than other options | Limited research | Cramping, lower back pain | 6 treatment sessions, followed by maintenance sessions | Limited data on effectiveness | |
| Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy | Personalized program with a therapist. | Highly effective, addresses specific needs. | Requires unknown commitment, cost, travel, insurance | ~$250 per session (insurance may cover) | Most effective option | May require referral | depends on quality of therapist | Varies depending on severity | Weekly or bi-weekly sessions, followed by home exercises | All Levels of Weakness |
| Traditional Kegel Exercises | Contract and relax pelvic floor muscles without equipment. | Free, convenient. | Requires correct technique, discipline. | Free | Least expensive option | Requires guidance for proper technique | 75% of women do incorrectly | Varies depending on consistency | Daily use for several sets of Kegels | Mild to Moderate Weakness |
| Pads and Diapers | Absorbent products for incontinence. | Manages symptoms, not a solution. | Ongoing cost, doesn't address root cause. | $750 per year | Not a strengthening option | Less independence | Leaks, skin irritation, rash, UTI | N/A | Ongoing use as needed | N/A |
| Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery | Surgical procedure to tighten vaginal tissues. | Extreme measure, limited evidence of long-term benefits. | High cost, serious risks. | $6000-25,000 | Not recommended | Potential for severe complications | Burning, fusing of labia, fusing of vaginal canal | N/A | N/A | Severe weakness |
| Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) | Medication (pills, patches, creams) to replace estrogen. | Improves vaginal dryness, may improve mild incontinence. | Potential side effects, not suitable for everyone (consult doctor). | Varies depending on type and dosage | May be combined with other options | Discuss risks and benefits with doctor | Blood clots, breast cancer risk (depending on type), mood swigns | Weeks to months | Daily or continuous use (consult doctor) | May improve symptoms for some |
| Urethral Injections | Collagen or bulking agent injected into urethra to improve closure. | Improves stress incontinence (leaking with coughing, laughing). | Temporary effects, may require repeat procedures. | $1000-3000 per session | Alternative to surgery for some | Discuss risks and benefits with doctor | Infection, discomfort, | Weeks to months | Repeat procedures may be needed | May improve symptoms for some |