Helping you to choose: features that matter

Regularity is key for achieving quick and long-lasting results:  the device should be comfortable and easy to use, so it would be easy for you to go for quick training even after a busy day. And since you want to train frequently, the diversity of exercises or any other engaging features are important to keep you motivated in the long term.

For the devices we’re reviewing here, the price goes roughly from $40 to $200, so it’s a significant element of differentiation and in any case, you’ll need to make sure the device provider offers good customer service and a generous return policy. 

Choosing the right Kegel exerciser will definitely help you achieve desirable results. So let’s now rate each device for each of these criteria.‍

If you're gonna do it, do it right

You’re just starting to explore your pelvic floor muscles, or you’ve already tried Kegel exercises but had no results? It is possible that you are not doing the exercise correctly, for example by contracting the abs or the thights instead of pelvic muscles, or by pushing on your pelvic floor instead of lifting. So which device will cut the guesswork and help you to ensure you’re doing your Kegels properly?

Bodyotics Kegel Balls: this device is not offering any instant feedback, so you will have to figure it out on your own and take your time to understand what works for you. You will need to rely on your senses when positioning the balls, changing the weights, and performing the exercises. This may be hard for beginners. But if you manage to isolate the right muscles, it will be easier to do your Kegels anywhere on your own. It can also be easier for you if you've already done a few manual sessions with a physiotherapist who helped you to identify the right muscles.

‍_{“The product’s packaging and the fact that they provide an e-book is great indeed. However I was disapppointed at the lack of information on the ebook which could have been more exhaustive. Especially, I didn’t understand some of the instructions which could have been clearer, to make sense to a broader audience including kegel beginners like myself.”}

TensCare Kegel Toner: since the device is doing all the work for you through electrostimulation, you don’t even need to identify the right muscles on your own. It's great if you want to avoid alll guesswork and trial or if your muscles are so weak you're not even feeling them anymore. This device will do the job correctly working out the right muscles,  but you will not be encouraged to develop your body awareness and to explore your pelvic floor muscles on your own. Some users recommend to contract and relax your muscles during the session.

_{“For best results tense your pelvic muscles with the probe and release as it decreases in intensity.”}

Perifit Kegel Exerciser: this device is equipped with two sensors that help to identify immediately the right (pelvic) contractions and wrong (abdominal) contractions. So we did a test contracting the wrong muscles - and it got picked up by the app. In addition to the games, there are three unique features in the app, allowing you to understand and improve the quality of your contractions: “Kegel coach”, "3D pelvic floor" and “Practice mode”. Kegel Coach guides you towards a better understanding of your pelvic floor before you jump into training. 3d pelvic floor helps you understand the pelvic floor anatomy and visualize the muscles "lift". Practice mode shows the pressure captured by each sensor, so you can visualize the quality of your contractions in a very straightforward manner and work on improving it. You can also track your contraction quality improvement over time.

_{“Before using Perifit, I had no clue whether I was doing my pelvic floor exercises correctly or how weak it was, postpartum. Now, I can assess where I’m at, track my progress & exercise for way longer than if I was simply squeezing every now and then.”}

Elvie Trainer Exerciser: Elvie also provides real-time feedback and is equipped with force and motion sensors. When the device tilts in the wrong direction, the app alerts the user, but it doesn't provide guidance on how to improve this contraction. We did the same test as with Perifit - contracting the wrong muscles, and the app has been able  to pick up some faulty contractions, but not all of them. You may seek help from a phyiotherapist in order to understand what is going wrong.

_{“The biofeedback you get is what makes the difference so you are really isolating, working and strengthening the key muscles.”}

Winner: Perifit, as it really helps to develop a proper technique.

‍Looking good feeling good

Comfortable fit and quality materials are key for safe trainings, and you are probably looking for a nicely designed product too. It’s also about being confident while inserting a device in your vagina and not experience any itchiness or discomfort. So which device will be the right fit for you?

Bodyotics Kegel Balls: The Pear Drops are made from medical-grade silicone which is BPA free and Phthalates free, and easy to keep clean. Using warm soapy water before and after each use is all that is needed and time should not alter the product. The design of the box and the quality of the balls seem to be appreciated by Amazon reviewers, and very few report itchiness or discomfort.

The brand claims to offer the heaviest ball on the market (130g) and many users seem to appreciate it, jointly with the drop shape, which seems to be more ergonomic than the round one. However, some users report that even the heaviest ball is not heavy enough for them.

_{“Firstly they are a joy to use, I tried this because it has the heaviest weight and I prefer the shape of these compared to the round ones which I’ve found painful in the past.”}

_{“The weights may not very heavy for some - I could use the heaviest one while doing jumping jacks and squats for 15 minutes on the first day.”}

TensCare Kegel Toner:

This device looks like a medical device, so there’s nothing exciting about the design or build quality. The iTouch sure has 90 steps of intensity (of 0.5 mA per step) giving you a control over the device to set up the intensity which is right for you. However, a few users report unpleasant sensations at higher levels of intensity, or difficulty to adjust the intensity level in a right way. Some users also warn against removing the probe during the session - it can be painful.

_{‍“Sometimes I nail it and it works without a hitch, other times it is quite uncomfortable until I get it in just the right spot. One tip I have is to always start off at a fairly low setting each time just to make sure it feels right!”}

_{“DO read the instructions to start at a low setting if you don't have much sensation in the pelvic floor - sensation will come back really quickly & then you can build up the power setting. Learn from my mistake: I was impatient & started off much too high - & the resulting strained muscles meant I had what felt like really bad period pains the next day.”}

The probe contains nickel, and is not suitable for those with a nickel allergy.

Perifit Kegel Exerciser: The device’s ergonomic shape is designed for easy and comfortable insertion, and we haven’t found any comments on the size, shape or comfort from Amazon shoppers. You can choose between two colors: vibrant magenta pink or cool green. The device is waterproof and easy to take care of by washing it with water and soap before and after use. The insertable part is made with medical grade silicone and safe to use. Some users report sliding out issue which seems to be corrected after changing training position.

_{“Once you have found the correct way to insert it and keep it in its easy and fun. Excellent way to excercise pelvic floor muscles.”}

_{“If you can insert a tampon and operate an app, you can do this.”}

Elvie Trainer Exerciser: probably the most beautifully designed device out there, it is small and nice to touch, feauturing a premium egg-like look. Elvie is sealed with medical-grade silicone, so the risk of allergies is very limited, and the device is easy to wash. It comes in a nice case which is looking really neutral, so nobody will guess what’s inside. Some users reported the device is too small (even with the cover) for them, sliding out or too far inside the vagina.

_{“This is a great product; easy to use and set up, very well designed in terms of case / charging etc.”}

Winner: Elvie, the best product design and packaging.

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‍Lifespan and customer service‍

How long your Kegel trainer will be keeping your pelvic floor busy and what happens if you need to contact customer service.

Bodyotics Kegel Balls: Bodyotics Kegel Balls have no batteries, and when properly stored, these items should have a very good lifespan. The product is guaranteed two years. Once purchase, you have 30 days to return the product and get a refund, but the product should be “in its original condition”. From Amazon reviews, it appears that the customer service is not very responsive in case of missing e-book, but we haven’t contacted them. You can reach out to customer service by phone, email, or fill in a form on the website.

TensCare Kegel Toner: TensCare works with 2 AA batteries, which are included in the packaging, and you’ll need to be prepared to regularly replace it. Some users report that the probe and the wires are a bit fragile, but you can order replacements on TensCare website.

The manufacturer offers a two years warranty, excluding all accessories and non-electrical items (e.g. electrodes, leads, batteries, probes etc). If a device is faulty, it can be either repaired or replaced by the manufacturer. You are also entitled to a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, which means that during 30 days after item’s dispatch date you can return it and get a refund. You can reach out to customer service by phone,  email, or fill in a form on the website.

_{“The Tenscare itouch Exerciser is a great idea and the principle works. The only problem is it is run by battery and it is not long before the power and intensity fades.”}

Perifit Kegel Exerciser: Perifit has a battery that comes fully charged and does not need any recharge at all. The battery is guaranteed 5 years and should probably last longer. If your device gets out of battery within 5 years after purchase, you can get it replaced aftyer contacting customer service. The product overall is guaranteed 2 years, and Perifit offers 100 days trial period with the possibility to return the device and get a full refund.

_{“No recharging or plug in, 5 year battery guarantee. Makes exercising fun. Doesn't fall out, unlike others.”}

The app has a “Get help” section covering FAQ and offering a possibility to start a conversation with the customer support team. We’ve reached out a got an immediate reply.

_{“Most importantly the customer services is excellent. I had a couple of queries; I used the Help Center on the app to get in touch. On both occasions I received a helpful and knowledgeable reply the same day.”}

Elvie Trainer Exerciser :  Elvie Trainer needs to be charged before the first use and after approximately 2h30 of use (which may occur after several weeks of use). It will also needs quick charging if you haven’t been using it for a while, but some users reported it may not charge after a long period of inactivity. You need to put it in its case for a recharge. 

Elvie app has a “Help” section covering FAQ and troubleshooting solutions, they also offer customer support by phone and by email. Elvie’s manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty, so if you have a faulty device you may get a replacement after contacting customer service. But there is no “trial period” and return are not accepted unless the device is faulty.

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Winner: Perifit, the most generous return policy.

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Getting results

The main goal of a pelvic floor exerciser is to help you achieving your personal goals, which could cover a variety of things: get rid of incontinence, improve your sexual wellbeing, prevent future disorders, etc. This help needs to be efficient with quick and tangible results and if possible, the training should not be a burden.

Bodyotics Kegel Balls : Many users report great improvement of their condition, but as we’ve already mentioned, there is no “fun” part in the training, and you’ll need to find a daily motivation for performing 15 minutes workouts. During these 15 minutes, you’ll need to be focused on your contractions and relaxation, so make sure you have time for it.

_{“After a couple of weeks of use, I can definitely feel a difference in my pelvic floor. I've been trying to build strength in this area for various reasons and incorporating kegel balls into my routine has definitely helped - it's essentially turbo charged my work outs!”}

_{“You have to work at it, when I've stopped using them I've noticed that I'm going to the bathroom more frequently so its something I will have to consistently work at but the results are so worth it. Can’t recommend enough for people like me who have neglected their pelvic floor! “}

TensCare iTouch Sure Kegel Toner : The device seems to help with toning pelvic floor muscles and while there is no particularly engaging feature, this training will not require you to be focused on your exercises, so potentially you may manage to do something else (reading a book?). The sessions are rather long (20 minutes), so make sure you can dedicate this time consistenly. iTouch Sure Pelvic Floor Exerciser is recommended to be used for 12 weeks, but TensCare claims that many women see significant results in as little as 3-4 weeks.

_{“It fixed all ladies issues for me after two children and generally getting older. Everything feels as it should now ;)”}

_{“Now I feel more in control, have stopped taking my water tablets, wish I'd discoverd this sooner, well worth the money, hope it lasts.”}

It may also be interesting to note that ITouch Sure can also be used with an anal probe for the improvement of symptoms of bladder weakness in men, and of faecal incontinence.

Perifit Kegel Exerciser : Perifit’s app is full of possibilities, so you’ll unlikely to get bored. Choosing your training program depending on your needs, playing 12 games, checking different metrics and your progression, improving your technique with Practice mode: all these features will get you busy during your workout, so time will fly during the recommended 10-minutes session. You may even discover you’re a competitor, as some games can be played against other users!  Perifit claims users start seeing first results after only 2 weeks of use, and it seems to be confirmed by many users.

_{“Perifit is brilliant! Every woman should be given one of these after childbirth. For two years I’ve struggled to do pelvic floor exercises. Now with perifit I can. Both My mental and physical health have improved thanks to perifit.”}

^{“I hate doing pelvic floor exercises but with this I can do them for hours. Really entertaining & the app is very well designed and easy to use.”}

Elvie Trainer : Elvie’s app is more sober, and less oriented towards gaming. There are six different exercises organized in the workouts according to your goals and your progress, to help you build muscle power, agility, and endurance. We wouldn’t call it games, but rather visualizations. The app offers all you’d need to do your training, but the activities are not as diverse and engaging when compared with Perifit. Additionally, several shoppers on Amazon report difficulties with getting a strong Bluetooth connection.

_{“Here I am 6 weeks in and I just had to let you know that I can now do star jumps for the first time in nearly 30 years since I had my children!!”}

_{“It's great if you can get to use it frequently enough. A lovely product though and would make a massive difference over time if used regularly.”}

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Winner: all four devices are helping to get results, but Perifit has the most engaging workouts, which means you'll be more motivated to exercise.