Test Your Kegel Performance at Home

By Barbara C. Bourassa

Gynecologists, physical therapists, and bladder experts often recommend Kegel exercises for treating bladder leakage and incontinence. The theory goes as follows: Strong pelvic-floor muscles can help support the bladder and keep the urethra closed, in turn preventing bladder leakage.

Kegel exercises have been around since the 1940s, when Arnold Kegel, the gynecologist for whom Kegels are named, developed a weighted bar of stainless steel for the purpose of practicing these exercises. "This bar is cold to the touch, which actually helps a woman contract her pelvic muscles around the device," says Stephanie Buehler, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist in Irvine, California. "As a result, she's more likely to perform the exercises correctly."

Since Dr. Kegel's time, a variety of at-home Kegel devices have been produced, some of which can be found on websites such as www.kegelcompare.com. These products range from plastic, wand-like devices to oval-shaped vaginal weights and are designed to help consumers evaluate and/or improve the strength of their Kegels in the privacy of their own home.

As with any over-the-counter medical device, women should take several things into consideration when evaluating such products, experts say. As a starting point, women should assess the muscle strength of their pelvic floor. "If you can do Kegels and feel the contraction, you could possibly benefit from one of these at-home devices," says Jen Towle, a physical therapist specializing in women's health at Mulrenan Physical Therapy in Woburn, Massachusetts. "If you can't feel the contraction, that's when you might need help. The first step would be to call your doctor or consult with a physical therapist."

It's also best to speak with your primary-care physician, gynecologist, or other medical expert if you're considering such a purchase. "Your physician will want to know why you're seeking this form of self-help," says Buehler, who often refers patients to a physical therapist for help with Kegels. "Be honest. If you're suffering from incontinence, he or she may decide that some sessions with a physical therapist will help ensure that you're able to perform the exercises correctly."

If you're set on purchasing an at-home Kegel device, keep in mind that only a few have been approved by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), warns physical therapist Dr. Pamela Morrison, of Pamela Morrison Physical Therapy in New York City. Such products include Stepfree Weights and a device known as the PMTx. The weights work well for many patients because they're easy to insert, allow the patient to progress in small (ounce) increments, and can be used while lying down, sitting up, or standing.

The PMTx device uses a simple but effective pressure gauge to give the patient feedback on her "squeeze" strength. However, "this is not a scientific gauge," Morrison notes. "And it is possible to get a false reading if you do Kegels incorrectly. But it's also an inexpensive way of using biofeedback to give you the incentive to squeeze more." Morrison's practice also provides handheld biofeedback devices that patients can rent monthly as well as miniature electrodes for use at home.

Before investing in one of these devices, it's always best to consult with your doctor as well as a physical therapist who specializes in women's health. The American Physical Therapy Association offers a free service to help you find a physical therapist in your area; visit www.apta.org for more information.