Fun and Effective: How Pelvic Floor Devices Turn Kegels into Games
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Chapter 1: The Rise of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Have you ever heard that you can actually engage in video games using your pelvic muscles? A groundbreaking pelvic floor therapy device is transforming Kegel exercises into an enjoyable experience.
While I specifically discuss the Perifit, I must clarify that I am not an affiliate, even though such programs exist. This device has proven beneficial for many women, including myself, and I believe it's worth sharing.
Both genders experience pelvic floor weakening as they age, but the statistics show that women are affected twice as often as men. Reflecting on my teenage years, I remember adult diaper advertisements and my time working in an assisted living facility, where they were a common necessity. My own journey with incontinence began a year after my second child's birth. Before delving into personal anecdotes, let’s consider the wider context of urinary incontinence statistics.
According to Phoenix Physical Therapy, women are statistically more susceptible to urinary incontinence than men. Despite its prevalence, many women hesitate to discuss this issue. Approximately 25% of women aged 18 to 44 and an equal percentage of those over 60 face incontinence challenges. While data for women aged 44 to 60 is less clear, it's reasonable to assume that they experience similar issues.
Although pelvic floor therapy is a fantastic option for managing incontinence for both women and men, access can be limited. Not all healthcare providers recommend it, insurance coverage varies, and the quality of care is inconsistent. Fortunately, several devices like Perifit, Elvie, and KGoal are now available for home use. I opted for the Perifit, and I’ll share my experience with it here. Other alternatives, including pelvic trainer shorts and neuromuscular electrostimulation devices, also exist.
Section 1.1: My Journey into Pelvic Floor Therapy
As a mother of two, my pelvic floor had weakened significantly due to pregnancy and childbirth, including one c-section and one vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC). Many women remain unaware that pelvic floor therapy can alleviate symptoms like incontinence. I discovered this option when my Primary Care Physician (PCP) suggested it during my annual women’s health exam, particularly as we discussed my mild uterine prolapse.
Fast forward a year to my next appointment in 2021—I was grappling with severe incontinence symptoms, experiencing uncontrolled leaks and even full accidents while working. I relied on pads during heavy lifting, and this struggle had persisted for over two years. Seeking help, I requested a referral for pelvic floor therapy, and my doctor was supportive, expressing a desire for more women to pursue this option.
While I was fortunate that my insurance covered the therapy sessions, the costs still added up—$50 per session for a total of 12 sessions, leading to a hefty $600 bill. I recently received a referral for 12 more sessions, which made me hesitate about continuing given the $1200 total. Although I prioritize my health, this is a significant expense. Thankfully, physical therapy has taught me how to strengthen my core and perform Kegels properly, along with addressing posture, which is also crucial for pelvic floor support.
Section 1.2: Finding the Right Device
I struggled with consistency in performing my Kegel exercises, often losing motivation and questioning if I was doing them correctly. To address this, I consulted my physical therapist, who suggested that while a device wasn't necessary, it could provide valuable feedback.
I began searching for a pelvic floor training device, hoping that gamifying Kegels would encourage me to stick with the routine. I managed to snag a 40% discount on the Perifit, purchasing it for $83.40 instead of the retail price of $199. The device boasts impressive customer reviews (4.7/5) and comes from Paris, France, adding a touch of elegance. The accompanying app offers games and tracks progress, promoting benefits such as reduced incontinence, improved sexual health, post-natal recovery, and less prolapse. Personally, I found that strengthening my pelvic floor positively impacted my overall health.
The first video, "Perifit The Game You Play With Your Vagina (Pelvic Workout) - YouTube," provides an overview of how this innovative device can transform pelvic floor exercises into a game-like experience.
Chapter 2: Gaming Your Way to Better Health
I began using my Perifit on May 25, 2021. The device arrives fully functional, with a battery designed to last five years. If it doesn't, the company will replace it, which is a major plus for me—no one enjoys constantly charging devices.
So, how does the Perifit work? It resembles a medium-sized dildo, crafted from medical-grade silicone. After washing the device, you turn it on and insert it. I found lubrication unnecessary for insertion, but it can be used if preferred. A white wire antenna connects the device to the app. Pairing takes about 30 seconds.
Before starting, the app offers essential information about pelvic floor therapy and the device itself. You can take a quiz to determine which of Perifit's six training programs suits you best; I was placed in the Mixed Incontinence program. Each program features ten levels to unlock, and currently, I am at level 7 for Mixed Incontinence and level 1 for Intimate Well-Being. I’m curious to see what happens when I reach level 10, but for now, I have plenty of content to explore.
Before each training session, you calibrate the device, performing Kegels while the app measures various metrics such as strength, agility, endurance, relaxation, and contraction quality. You receive target goals to aim for.
After completing the initial setup, the app guides you through how to perform Kegels correctly and how to use the device while in the app. You'll also see a Kegel quality meter, aiming to keep it in the green zone. Each program explains its objectives through engaging graphics, showcasing contraction patterns you'll practice while playing games that involve various fun activities, from flying a spaceship to guiding a bird.
There was a slight learning curve, but I adapted quickly. Surprisingly, I genuinely enjoy these “games” with my vagina. I often spend over ten minutes on Kegels without realizing the time passing; just yesterday, I had to force myself to stop after 25 minutes to avoid overworking my pelvic floor!
When I complete a session, I can check my results and targets on the app, which monitors my progress over time, be it daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. This feedback is crucial for maintaining my motivation and understanding my development.
The second video, "Playing Video Games With Your Vagina | Femme Ed | RIOT - YouTube," highlights the intersection of gaming and pelvic health, showcasing how these devices can empowe