Comparison of the 3 best devices for strengthening the perineum

The perineum is a set of muscles, ligaments, and fascia that extends in a hammock shape from the pubis to the coccyx and surrounds the vagina, bladder, and sphincter. Its tone is a guarantee of its good health: it is essential for maintaining the organs in the body, but also for urinary and fecal continence and sexual pleasure. In women (men also have a perineum), the tone of the perineum is often weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. This is why many new mothers are prescribed perineal rehabilitation sessions. In parallel with these sessions with a healthcare professional, it is a good idea to practice exercises at home to strengthen the perineum. Several devices exist: biofeedback probes, electrical simulators, and vaginal cones. Today's article is a comparison of the best devices for strengthening the perineum to help you make your choice.

Biofeedback probes

Biofeedback is one of three methods used by healthcare professionals in pelvic floor rehabilitation . Wondering how to retrain a pelvic floor with biofeedback ? The general principle of biofeedback is that of perceptible reinforcement, that is, allowing your brain to visualize and understand the action performed by your body in real time so that it can reproduce it.

In pelvic floor rehabilitation, this involves inserting a probe into the vagina or anus, which is connected to a screen to provide real-time feedback on pelvic floor contractions. The contractions are detected by sensors on the probe. Biofeedback probes are therefore elongated probes connected to applications or screens.

Perineal rehabilitation probes > 

The Benefits of Biofeedback Probes

The benefits of biofeedback probes for strengthening the perineum are:

• Autonomy: once a few sessions have been completed with a healthcare professional to understand the movements and expected feedback, it is possible to fully rehabilitate at home.
• Flexible schedule and no need for medical appointments: you can rehabilitate largely on your own, at home.
• Ease of use: simply insert the probe and follow the exercises suggested by the application supplied with the probe.
• Flexible exercises of different durations: you can adapt your exercises to the time you have available in order to build muscle in the time you have available.
• Hygiene: The probes are easy to clean. Clean the probe after each use using a pH-neutral intimate soap, for example, then rinse and dry before storing your probe.
• Non-manual method: You do not need to insert your fingers into your vagina to use this device.
• Perceptible strengthening method: you are actively involved in your rehabilitation. Since you are the one managing your contractions, you can stop whenever you want. This is particularly useful if your delivery was traumatic and you have physical after-effects, particularly in your vagina.
• Effective method: Biofeedback probes are more effective than probes that use electrostimulation according to scientific publications . After giving birth, you generally need to follow a 4-month program to regain your perineal tone.

The Limitations of Biofeedback Probes

The limitations of biofeedback probes are:

• New: Biofeedback in perineal catheters at home is still a new method, and most catheters sold on the market have not undergone clinical trials to validate their effectiveness. You can also ask your doctor for advice: they will be able to give you their opinion on the catheter you have identified.
• Active method: Unlike the electrical stimulation method, which we will see shortly, the biofeedback method requires you to be active in your rehabilitation and therefore focused and invested. If you want a method where you don't have to "get your head around it," the electrostimulation method may be more interesting for you.
• Six weeks after delivery: It is recommended to wait an average of six weeks after delivery before starting perineal rehabilitation with a biofeedback probe.

What to look for when buying a biofeedback probe?

When purchasing and choosing your biofeedback probe, you should pay particular attention to three points for your health and safety:

• Professional supervision: As with any tool with a medical purpose, we recommend that you be supervised by a professional before using it. Supervision is essential.
• Medical guarantee of the selected device: is it validated by clinical trials? And the associated application?
• Origin and quality of the probe materials: We recommend choosing medical-grade silicone. It is softer, cleaner, and easier to clean.

Furthermore, do not hesitate to ask the advice of your health practitioner (physiotherapist or midwife) when selecting your biofeedback probe.

The Gapianne selection

On our e-shop, we selected the Perifit biofeedback reinforcement probe . Beyond the device itself, which we appreciate (for its shape and color), our customers loved the fun exercises offered by the app associated with the rehabilitation device. The device has been validated by clinical trials.

I want the probe

You can use it with a water-based lubricant (oil can damage medical silicone devices) and clean it with a pH-neutral intimate soap .

🚀 Need to take your pelvic floor strengthening to the next level ? The Perifit+ probe has the same benefits as the previous probe and adds the added ability to be used standing up for more intense strengthening sessions. It's especially recommended if you play an impact sport and need a very toned pelvic floor !

Also read: Tonic vs. hypertonic perineum? What are the differences? >

Electrical stimulators

Electrostimulation is another method used by healthcare professionals specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation, most often in conjunction with biofeedback. The principle of electrostimulation involves stimulating the muscles using mild electrical currents sent through the tissues.

In perineal rehabilitation, the use of an electrostimulation probe, or electrical stimulator, involves inserting the probe into the vagina or anus and activating the stimulation program. This can most often be managed via a phone application.

The advantages of electrical stimulators

Why choose an electrical stimulator to strengthen your perineum? The advantages of this tool are:

• Autonomy: Pelvic floor rehabilitation can be performed mostly in the comfort of your own home using an electrical stimulator. As with biofeedback probes, professional supervision is still necessary to guide patients, monitor device usage, and adjust stimulation programs based on each individual's progress and specific needs.
• Flexible schedule and no need for medical appointments: you can rehabilitate largely on your own, at home.
• Ease of use: simply insert the probe and follow the programs suggested by your healthcare professional and/or the application provided with the probe.
• Hygiene: The probes that accompany electrical stimulators and are inserted into the vagina or anus are generally made of silicone, and are therefore easy to clean. Our recommendation: clean the probe after each use using a pH-neutral intimate soap, for example, then rinse and dry before storing your probe.
• Non-manual method: You do not need to insert your fingers into your vagina to use this device.
• Non-active method: The advantage (which some people may see as a disadvantage, but we'll talk about that later) is that this method doesn't require you to be active. It's the electrodes that do the work—not you.

The limits of electrical stimulators

The limitations of electrical stimulators are:

• Requires letting go: electrical stimulation requires you to accept letting go because you are only partly responsible for the electrostimulation device: if you can manage the intensity of the electrical stimulation, you may be afraid of being in pain by putting the stimulations too strong.
• Method may cause pain: While you can stop the stimulation whenever you want, you are not in complete control of the electrical stimulation. If you have physical after-effects and injuries, or if you increase the stimulation rate too quickly, you may experience pain.
• Possible medical contraindication: Electrical stimulators may be contraindicated for people with pacemakers, pregnant women, patients with undiagnosed pain, and people with epilepsy. It is strongly recommended to seek medical advice before purchasing a device.
• Tool specialization: It is not possible to perform perineal electrostimulation with just any electrical stimulation device. Perineal electrostimulators are specifically designed to transmit a STIM-type current adapted to the perineal muscles. The intensity and modulation of the current are very different from other devices. Using other devices, not only do you risk having hygiene-related issues but also the strength of the current—you risk injuring yourself.
• Fixed exercises: Unlike biofeedback probes, electrical stimulators offer you fixed contraction programs, which can last from 20 to 60 minutes. This makes it more difficult to manage your time and exercises as you wish.
• Single position: The only recommended position for a perineal electrostimulator is lying down. The devices are often connected by a wire to a control box, which greatly restricts movement.
• Six weeks postpartum or later: It is recommended to wait at least six weeks after delivery before beginning perineal rehabilitation with an electrical stimulator. Due to perineal injuries related to childbirth, this method may not be recommended by professionals: seek the advice of your doctor. The biofeedback method is more often recommended in this case.
• Less effective method: Electrical stimulation probes are less effective than biofeedback probes according to scientific publications . The effects of perineal electrostimulation are felt after 2 to 4 weeks of use. However, following a 12-week program is necessary to feel the effects.

Points to consider when buying an electrical stimulator

Considering investing in an electrical stimulator? Here are the last things you need to consider.

• Professional supervision: The perineal rehabilitation program using electrostimulation must be designed by a professional based on your issues and goals. Supervision is essential.
• Adaptation of the device to the perineal area: is it validated by clinical trials to strengthen the perineum?
• Origin and quality of the probe materials: We recommend choosing perineal probes made of medical-grade silicone. It is softer, cleaner, and easier to clean.
• Probe shape: The shape of the probe is essential since it is what makes contact with your perineum. Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare practitioner for advice.

Gapianne's opinion

In our opinion, the electrical stimulator is a good tool to allow women who have recently given birth to locate their perineum and feel its contraction. In this sense, it is an interesting tool at the start of professional care, but we do not believe it is the best tool for long-term perineal rehabilitation. We prefer biofeedback probes , which is why we do not currently have an electrostimulation probe in our catalog. However, we remain on the lookout for new products: do not hesitate to contact us if you have a favorite brand to bring to our attention!

Vaginal cones

A vaginal cone, also called a vaginal weight or perineal bead , is an object designed to fit inside the vagina and put pressure on it. It is usually egg-shaped and has a cord for easy removal. The goal? Insert the cone into your vagina and try to hold it in for longer and longer periods (usually 10 to 15 minutes).

This method of pelvic floor muscle reeducation has been around since the early 1990s and uses the body's biological feedback mechanism. This occurs when the pelvic muscles, which are being used when the cone is inserted into the vagina, reflexively contract around the cone to retain it. When the perineum is weakly muscled (particularly after pregnancy and childbirth), this passive contraction may not be sufficient and active contraction may be necessary.

Devices and objects to strengthen the perineum >

The benefits of vaginal cones

Vaginal cones are particularly useful for helping you strengthen your perineum on a daily basis.

• Autonomy: This device can be used with great autonomy. However, we recommend that, as with any method with a medical objective and related to your health, you seek professional advice (general practitioner, midwife or physiotherapist) to check the duration of use and the real need to strengthen your perineum.
• Flexible scheduling and no need for medical appointments: you can largely rehabilitate on your own. What's more, this device can be used outside of your home.
• Ease of use: simply insert the device into your vagina and wear it for the required time.
• Hygiene: Vaginal cones are easy to clean. Clean your cone after each use using a pH-neutral intimate soap, for example, then rinse and dry it. Our recommendation: Use a pouch to easily store it if you need to remove it while you're away from home.
• Fully mechanical method: Unlike the previous two methods, this method works solely through weight and gravity. No electrical device is contained within the vaginal cone.
• Effective method: The vaginal cone is a method that has been proven and tested to be effective. A month of daily exercises (about ten minutes once or twice a day) can be enough to strengthen the perineum. A 1988 study showed that out of 30 women who underwent these tests, 70% saw their situation improve and felt cared for.
• Pain-free method: you have complete control over the weights you insert. If a weight is too heavy and/or too large for your perineum to accept, simply remove it.
• Age of the method: The method has existed since the 1990s and has proven its effectiveness ever since. This provides perspective on the method and a good overview of the players in the sector.
• Cost: The advantage of this device is that it is the least expensive of those offered in this list.

The limits of vaginal cones

No method is perfect. Here are the limitations of vaginal cones:

• Manual Method: This device requires you to insert it into your vagina, and this manipulation requires sliding your fingers inside. If you are reluctant to do this for any reason, you will certainly have difficulty using this method.
• Not fun: Unlike perineal biofeedback probes and the games offered for using them, vaginal cones are not fun: you insert them, you hold them in. This may seem boring to you.
• Six weeks after delivery: As with all muscle strengthening devices, you will need to wait approximately six weeks postpartum before using them. Ask your caregiver for advice.
• Difficult at first: If your perineum has been completely stretched by pregnancy and childbirth, this device may be difficult to use at the very beginning of your rehabilitation, for a very specific reason: it's difficult to contract your muscles when you don't know where they are! A professional can help you.

Points to consider when buying a vaginal cone

If you opt for the vaginal cone, here are the last points you need to pay attention to.

• Follow-up by a professional: We repeat ourselves, but like the devices mentioned above, we can only recommend that you be accompanied by a healthcare professional beforehand. They will advise you on exercises and uses.
• Material origin and quality: Medical-grade silicone is the preferred material for your vaginal cones. It is softer, cleaner, and easier to clean.
• Cone shape: There are round or elongated cones, shaped like rugby balls. It all depends on your feelings; we don't have any specific recommendations on this.
• Cone Weight: To increase the difficulty of the exercises, you can choose to extend the duration of the exercise (hold the cone longer in your vagina) OR change the weight of the cones. Taking several cones of different weights will be interesting to increase the difficulty of the exercises.

The Gapianne selection

On our e-shop, we have selected for you the box of 6 perineal rehabilitation pearls from Liebe. Depending on the strength of your vaginal muscles and your perineum, you can start with a single sphere and then gradually move on to two spheres and more weight (2x28g, 2x37g, 2x60g). Finally, it has been validated by clinical trials and is made of medical silicone.

I want the perineal beads

You can use it with a water-based lubricant (oil can damage medical silicone devices) and clean it with a pH-neutral intimate soap .

Also read: 4 easy exercises to re-educate your perineum >

Comparison of the 3 best devices for strengthening the perineum

Below is a summary of our comparison of the 3 devices for re-educating your perineum.

	Probes of biofeedback	Electrical stimulators	Cones vaginal
Medical monitoring	Necessary at the start Necessary at the end	Necessary from start to finish of the program	Necessary at the start Necessary at the end
Efficiency / Speed	1 month for improvement, 3 months for consolidation	1 month for improvement, 3 months for consolidation	1 month for improvement, 3 months for consolidation
Ease of use	Easy	Program designed by a professional.	Easy
Playful	+++	+	+
Comfort	No pain.	Possible discomfort and pain.	Manual insertion required. No pain.
Security and certification	++ Choose a device certified in agreement with your doctor	++ Choose a device certified in agreement with your doctor	+++
Price	+	+	+++

The best device for strengthening the perineum: Gapianne's opinion

In conclusion, our preference for perineal rehabilitation is for biofeedback probes and vaginal cones. The former are more fun, while the latter are less expensive for equivalent results with regular use. We have selected for you on our shop our two favorites in these categories: the biofeedback reinforcement probe from Perifit and thebox of 6 perineal rehabilitation beads from Lelo. As for electrostimulation devices, we think they are interesting as support, at the beginning of rehabilitation, especially when used with professionals, but we have not yet found a particularly interesting device to suggest to you.