Kegel exercisers

[LegalAlien]

Has anyone here tried using a Kegel exerciser such as a Kegelmaster or something similar? I'm considering getting one, especially one with a gauge for visual feedback, but I'm wondering if it's a worthwhile investment. Any experiences you could share would be appreciated!

[sami4]

Devices

I dont know what a Kegelmaster is, but I used a battery operated, feedback type of kegal device called, By Myself which is sold at Walgreens.
I liked it a lot as it had a couple of programs on it that you had to work up to and gave you immediate feedback.
There are also non battery operated devices that you squeeze which work pretty well also.
Sammi

[LegalAlien]

http://www.kegelmaster2000.com/

The Kegelmaster is supposedly the #1 seller of all the kegel exercisers (or the #1 advertised one, anyway). I looked at the Myself kind, and I like that it has feedback. It seems the Kegelmaster has higher resistance settings, though, so that might be more vaulable in the long run maybe? I've got VV and mild IC, and I'm just not sure which would be of better use for me--the feedback or the higher resistance. They're so expensive that I'd like to get the one that'll last the longest!

Oh, and FWIW, here's a site that compares the different kinds that are available: http://www.kegelcompare.com/

Thanks for responding!

[LegalAlien]

More about Kegel

Also for anyone interested, I found this page about the origin of Kegels and some enlightening information about how a lot of people are doing them now vs. how they're supposed to be done. The Bastardization of Dr. Kegel's Exercises

[Angeles]

a $400 biofeedback device

My PT asked me to buy a $400 + device to introduce in the vaginal for biofeedback and help relax the pelvic floor. I think it is waaayyy to expensive and besides the insurance doesn't cover it. I didn't purchase it yet b/c my yeast problem is coming and going and don't want to stirr things up.
I was thinking to wait to have more control of the infections first. Anyways what do you think about the cost of this Biofeedback device? isn't it too expensive?
I don't have too much $$ saved with all this medical expenses and this would be a big investment (for me).

[LegalAlien]

Wow

$400 is very expensive! Does she not think the less expensive ones are good enough? Have you asked her why she wants you to get that particular one? (What's it called, do you know?)

I would personally consider if it's going to save you money in the long run, especially with PT visits? If you think it will, then it might be worthwhile. But I'd ask her if there wasn't a cheaper one that would do just as well!

[Angeles]

It is actually the "control unit" that cost $350 it is called U-Control Home Trainer by "Essentail Control". The device that goes in the vagina (sensor) costs $35 and the electrodes $35 + shipping etc goes over $400.
The website is www.essential.control.com they sell all sort of biofeedback stuff.
I wonder where to find the less expensive options and present those to my PT. I would like to give it a try first and see if it is something that will work, or wouldn't make my yeast infections worse...
If all if fine and it is worthwile I could break the piggy bank and buy it.

[LegalAlien]

That one is clearly more professional grade than the ones I've seen available cheaper, and it's probably better. I wonder if it's necessary, though? I've never had any biofeedback therapy, so I honestly have no idea how it works or what's required.

The ones I've seen listed on http://www.kegelcompare.com/ are all in the $100 range it seems. Maybe you can print out the pictures and specifications of all of these and show them to your PT, asking if one of them will work?

Oh, and report back what she tells you! I'd love to know. I'm still pondering which device to get for myself...

[sami4]

Exercisers

LegalAlien gave you a great couple of links above, I would read both those sites and inform myself on options.
I would probably not invest that much money in a medical grade bio-feedback device. As the owner of a very good kegal exerciser called,"By Myself,"My experience has been that it is often not easy to find the amount of time you really need to do an adequate job of kegaling. Kegal recommended about 300 reps a day. This would take at least three 20 minute segments, maybe more. I can tell you kegaling is tiring.
If it were me, I would buy one of the cheaper sets there; I saw one Legal Alien liked for around 100, and the By Myself which had some studies done with it. If you do well with those after a year, then maybe consider the more expensive model. So, I guess my argument is that most women burn out with the Kegals long before they wear out, not matter how good their intentions. That is just a fact supported by studies done on follow ups with women who were RX'ed Kegals. The cheaper models will exercise the same muscles, but they wont help you with the time issues. Its like any device, if you outgrow it, trade up. I would be willing to bet that you wont outgrow them very fast.
Sammi