How to use: a pelvic floor muscle stimulation machine

Are you thinking of trying a pelvic floor muscle stimulation machine? Or got one already but it’s been gathering dust?  Are you using yours correctly?

If you are puzzled by the settings, the different electrodes and which programme to use browse the videos below for answers to common questions.

If you are not sure if you need a stimulation machine or a biofeedback machine start with this article which explains the difference between them.

With thanks to Kegel8 for producing these education videos and offering readers a 15% discount on any products when using affiliate code SUPPORTEDMUMS at the checkout.

What IS muscle stimulation?

Why do we have machines to send electrical impulses to somewhere as delicate as the pelvic floor?

Step by step setting up your machine

  • What’s in the box? Which cable goes where?
  • The purpose of the gel and how to put in the vaginal probe. 
  • Which buttons to press and the programmes to choose. 
  • Turning on and turning up with confidence!

Using a stim machine for Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is leakage when the bladder is under pressure or high impact – like when you cough, sneeze, laugh or jump.

  • Why the bladder leaks.
  • Which muscles you  need to target to solve the problem of Stress incontinence. 
  • How to use a pelvic floor muscle stimulation machine to help.

Using a stim machine to calm an overactive bladder

A stim machine can also be used to “calm” the nerves to the bladder muscle.  This can be useful for symptoms of  urgency, frequency and urge incontinence (when you don’t feel you can get to the toilet in time). 

  • How to choose the right programme to treat overactive bladder. 
  • How the stimulation works. 
  • What to expect to feel.

Which probe is right for you?

Let me talk you through some of the different vaginal and anal probes available so that you can think which one would best suit your needs.

  • The different shapes.
  • Which type to use if you have a nickel allergy. 
  • Electordes designed for rehab of the anal sphincter

Which programme is best for Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (often called irritable bladder) gives symptoms like sudden urgency, fear of leaking, difficultly getting to the toilet in time and sometimes leaking before you get there. This video explains in more detail:

  • What happens to the bladder as it fills,
  • The way the bladder is supposed to behave & what’s happening when it misbehaves. 
  • Reducing any operator error by using tricks & good habits to manage the bladder filling and emptying sequence
  • How to use a pelvic floor muscle stimulation machine (Kegel8 or similar) to help.

Which programme is best for Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse causes discomfort in the vagina and pelvis. 

  • How to create more support with your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Other things you should do to help improve the problem.   
  • How to use a Kegel8 Ultra 20 (or similar) machine to help.

Which programme is best for a New Mum

  • What to do to help your muscles from the very early days before you can use a stimulation machine.
  • When you can start using a electrical stimulation machine safely & how to go about it.
  • Why it is important to test the sensation in the nerves, have a longer rest time between contractions and how to avoid muscle fatigue.

FAQs: Why can’t I feel the machine working so well?

  • Have you noticed that the stimulation sensation has reduced?  What’s going on and what to do.
  • How much gel should you use?
  • Getting a good fit of the internal electrode
  • Other tips and tricks to get the most out of your machine

With thanks to Kegel8 for producing these education videos and offering readers a 15% discount on any products when using affiliate code SUPPORTEDMUMS at the checkout.

Stimulation or biofeedback?

If you are not sure if you need a stimulation machine or a biofeedback machine start with this article which explains the difference between them.

Or no gadgets at all!

Want to work your pelvic floor muscles without a machine? Come over to the Pelvic Floor School for more videos to help you – no gadgets required!