By
Willa Trenton, Gynecologist
Updated
August 4, 2023
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Product overview
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Elvie Trainer is a “smart” Kegel trainer which utilizes biofeedback technology to measure the force and motion of a contraction and lets you visualize pelvic floor movement in real-time.
How it works?
Place the probe in the vagina and squeeze pelvic floor muscles following the guidelines from the app. The device will assess your Kegels using biofeedback. The probe has sensors detecting your contractions, and it sends the measures to your phone, so you can immediately visualize the effect. It measures both force and control, as well as your ability to relax your muscles.
When it’s time to work out, you insert the device and wirelessly connect to the app. The app leads you through a series of exercises and provides real-time feedback in response to your Kegels. The workouts are typically 5 minutes long, and you can do them as often as you want. Elvie recommends three times a week. Elvie's developers claim it should only take a month of routine exercises to see a difference.
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With the Elvie Trainer, which looks like a small pale-green egg, you will follow prompts on the screen and move a gem with your pelvic floor contractions. For example, one exercise asks you to quickly contract and relax, hitting targets with your gem. Another one consists in maintaining your gem in a target or following a pattern. In total, there are 6 different exercises aiming at improving different skills: “Learn control”, “Build endurance”, “Improve agility”... You can choose your workout goal depending on your needs and the frequency of use, and the app will build a training program for you accordingly. The more you train, the faster you get new levels, and there are four levels in total. You can track your progress from the last 10 workouts and observe the evolution of your LV score, which corresponds to the strength of your squeezes.
Elvie is compatible with all iOS and Android devices, going back as far as the iPhone 4S.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Overall, this product has mostly positive reviews on Amazon, even if some users report Bluetooth connectivity issues.
“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!! Stress and urge incontinence symptoms have gradually disappeared.”
"I was really excited to discover this product as I have had stress incontinence issues for quite a while. I have had PT in the past with good success, but disliked having to go there for feedback. The device I had to purchase had to be "read" by the PT. I wanted something I could use on my own. I like everything about Elvie except I can't get it to stay inside. Maybe my pelvic floor is just too weak. I searched the Elvie website, but couldn't find a way to ask the question about whether I was doing something incorrectly. Also, it loses internet connection frequently although I have the phone resting on my abdomen. Has anyone else had the problem with it not staying inside? I would love to resolve this somehow. Right now, it's making me postpone doing the exercises because it's so frustrating...."
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Made with BPA-free premium silicone that makes it safe to use
- Gives instant visual feedback on your Kegel exercises and records the progress, which increases your motivation
- 100% waterproof, making it hypoallergenic and easy to clean
- Two size options - contains an additional cover to allow for more custom fit
- Sleek design, the probe has a premium look
- Discreet case and charger
- Different types of pelvic floor exercises including lifts, pulses, speed and a few others
CONS
- Small size may be an issue for some users, even with the additional cover
- May not offer easy connectivity (Bluetooth issues reported by some users)
- On the pricey side when compared to other devices
- The app lacks contrast and the workout is quite repetitive - the exercises are not really games and while the experience is relaxing, it's not "fun". On a long term, the experience lacks novelty and diversity
- The app detects faulty contractions (bearing down vs. lifting) but does not guide you on how to make it right. No differentiation between the superficial and deep pelvic muscles
- You’ll need a smartphone with Bluetooth connexion
Compared to other products:
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Conclusion
The Elvie Trainer undoubtedly offers a unique and well-thought-out approach to pelvic floor training, marked by its sleek design that gives it a premium look. This design, coupled with its waterproof capabilities, premium silicone construction, and the immediate feedback mechanism, underlines its position as a significant contender in the market. However, like any innovative product, the Elvie Trainer has its challenges. These notably include the occasional connectivity issues, a potential lack of comfort for some due to its size, and the app's monotony, which may affect long-term user engagement. Additionally, while the app does detect incorrect contractions, it falls short in guiding users on rectifying these issues, which may be critical for beginners or those with specific pelvic concerns.
In a side-by-side comparison with a product like Perifit, our preference leans towards the latter, mainly due to its more comprehensive feedback mechanism, gamified exercises, and nuanced differentiation of pelvic muscles. This provides a more engaging and potentially effective experience for users.
That said, it's essential to note that every woman is unique, and what may work perfectly for one might not necessarily be the best fit for another. Therefore, while we lean towards Perifit, some might find the Elvie Trainer more to their liking. In light of this, we emphasize the importance of consulting with a specialist before deciding on any product. The guidance of a professional can provide invaluable insights tailored to an individual's specific needs and conditions.