How often should I use the Kegel8 Pelvic Toner?
Initially we recommend you use the Kegel8 Pelvic Toner once a day for 12 weeks. However we know some of you are desperate for results, due to prolapse or other medical conditions, so you can use it twice a day, ideally morning and night. Always leave 8 hours between treatments for your muscles to fully recover. Please note, the Kegel8 Ultra20 should only be used once a day.
Exercising a tired pelvic floor will not make it strong! You'll find that if you use the KE Gel it actually helps to make your Kegel8 exercising even more effective. You can use your Kegel8 Pelvic Toner during your period if you wish, and it is a great way to relieve menstrual cramps and period pain. After your initial 12 week daily pelvic exercise routine you can move onto a maintenance programme, that's exercising a couple of times a week. Some women who have a particularly weak pelvic floor continue using it daily until they are much stronger.
I can't get the mA's past 6, 7 or 8, 9, 10, 11
If you do not get proper contact with the probe you will find that you cannot increase the mA's up to a suitable level to start your pelvic exercise, or your unit will cut out and stop. The mA's will go to 6, 7 or 8, 9, 10, 11 but no higher, it will then return to zero, or switch off the Kegel8 Pelvic Toner. This is a cut-off device and it means that you are not getting direct contact with the electrode, or the metal part of the probe at all times. The probe must maintain contact with your pelvic floor muscle at all times to exercise it properly. If this happens with your machine, it is not a machine fault; it is probe positioning that is at fault.
What do you need to do?
- Make sure the probe is inserted as directed in the instructions.
- Make sure the metal parts of the probe (the electrodes) are facing hip to hip when the probe is inserted vaginally or anally.
- If this is happening with the Kegel8 (tubular) probe, you might want to consider trying the wider lighter Periform plus probe or the nickel free Perisize probe.
- Try not to move around too much as this may displace the probe.
- Adjust your seating position; sit with your buttocks tightly together as if trying to hold in wind.
- Conductivity is also improved by using the lubricant provided, it is water based, and body friendly and you'll get better results.
What are mA's?
mA is the shortened term of milliampere, 1mA is one thousandth of an Ampere (A) which is used to measure the amount of electric charge. The higher the mA's the stronger the Kegel8 pelvic toner workout. Keep it comfortable, but aim to feel a strong contraction in your kegel or pelvic floor muscles.
How should I insert the probe?
The vaginal probe needs to be inserted just 2 inches (5.5 cm) into the vagina - this is the optimum level to stimulate your pelvic floor muscles. Make sure the electrodes (that's the metal bits) are facing hip to hip. Keep the probe in place at all times or the machine can cut out and fail to increase the mA's (intensity).
Can I use Kegel8 toners if I have an IUD or Mirena coil fitted?
Yes. The Mirena is made of plastic, so no problems there. Any IUD containing copper is unaffected by the Kegel8 and STIM so you're good to go!.
Can I use my Kegel8 Pelvic Toner when I'm on my period (menstruating)?
You can use your Kegel8 during your period if you wish, and it is a great way to relieve menstrual cramps and period pain as well as strengthening your pelvic floor at the same time.
Can I use the Kegel8 Electronic Pelvic Toner whilst pregnant?
NICE Clinical guidelines advise against using any electrical stimulation machines vaginally during pregnancy unless under medical supervision.
I Can't Feel my Kegel8 Pelvic Toner - Is it working?
You need to adjust the mA's by pressing the + button on the channel your probe or pads are connected to, this will increase the intensity. Slowly increase your mA setting until you feel a slight tingle/knocking sensation and increase this gradually 1-2 levels every 1-2 weeks, always ensuring your mA setting is at a comfortable level for you.
Increase the mA's - remember the stronger the pull, the stronger the exercise. The minimum level of mAs you should work to with a vaginal probe is 30.
On some programmes the mA's drop to 30, why is that?
When the programme goes through its preset routine the pulse width and pulse length vary. When the pulse rate and length increase, the mA's drop so that the intensity does not take you by surprise! So if you feel a decrease in intensity, you can increase the mA's back up to a level that you can feel working.
How soon after giving birth can I start with my Kegel8 Pelvic Toner?
Consult with your Midwife or Doctor. Generally women feel happy to start after a successful six week check-up.
I have just had pelvic floor surgery, how soon can I start to use the Kegel8?
Consult with your Doctor or Consultant, every case is different, but the Kegel8 could help to speed your recovery. Stress incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse are usually a sign of a weak pelvic floor, so if you have had an operation to help with either of these conditions, you will still need to strengthen your muscle structure and Kegel8 is an ideal way to do this. Using the Kegel8 Pelvic Toner will help you to recuperate after pelvic surgery and it could also improve the surgery results. Check with your Doctor or physiotherapist when it is suitable for you to start exercising again, and take it steady. Little and often is the key, and make Kegel8 part of your daily routine - just like cleaning your teeth.
I find it painful inserting the probe
Use the lubricant when inserting your probe. This isn't supplied just to help make insertion easier, it also helps with the conductivity of the electronic pulses. The better conductivity the more the pelvic floor muscles will be exercised and the more mA's you'll be able to achieve. If you are menopausal you could be suffering from vaginal atrophy, this causes vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal membrane and great discomfort. If the lubricant does not help, your Doctor can prescribe a course of oestrogen cream; use this for the recommended time, and then re-commence using the Kegel8. Remember the pelvic floor needs to be exercised, do not be put off by vaginal atrophy, there are easy solutions for all women to overcome this painful condition.
Why are there two channels?
Channel A (left hand side) is generally used for a vaginal probe, Channel B on the right hand side is generally used for an anal probe. If you have suffered from an anal prolapse, feel free to call us and we can help you with a customised programme for your condition; a selection of anal probes are also available. The Perisize nickel free probe uses both channels. This is because some women find that they have suffered with nerve denervation (nerve damage, lack of sensation on one side) following childbirth or surgery. By using the perisize probe you will find that you are able to have different levels of intensity on either side. So, if you have lack of sensation on the left hand side, you can increase the mAs to a level that you can feel, Stimulation to the muscles like this can cause neuroregeneration - regrowth or repair of the nerves giving you back sensation. You can also use skin electrodes with your Kegel8; these high quality skin electrodes can be used outside the body to help strengthen muscles even further.
How do I clean my probe?
Simply rinse the probe part under the tap or spray with KE Klean antibacterial cleanser, keeping the wires dry at all times. Do not boil the probe. If you want to use the same probe vaginally to anally this is OK, but always thoroughly clean it because bacteria can transfer from the anus.
Why can I only feel the stimulation on one side?
Either - You do not have proper connectivity with the probe you need to adjust your exercising position, ensuring the probe touches both sides of the vagina/muscle wall. If your vagina has been stretched through childbirth and you are not feeling the probe on both sides, you need to sit with your legs tightly together, squeezing your pelvic floor as much as you can against the probe. Or - If connectivity is not the problem, you may have experienced nerve damage - this is common with natural childbirth and a result of nerve damage from your baby's head. There are probes you can use which you can increase one side stimulation more than the other have a look at the Perisize Vaginal Probe it is nickel free and can be controlled from both channels (A and B) for a really intense work out. Don't forget the lubricant such as KE Kegel Exercise Gelto add greater conductivity.
Is Kegel8 available on prescription?
Yes! Our Kegel8 Vaginal Cones are available on prescription in the UK. Click here to download the prescription request form to share with your GP. We are also currently working on getting the Kegel8 Ultra 20 Electronic Pelvic Floor Toner available on prescription.
I can't find an answer to my question
You can always Book a Call we have personal experience of the Kegel8 and if we can't answer it, we can refer it to our top Physiotherapy guru Amanda Savage or another of our contributors. You'll find more questions and answers here!
Kegel8 Ultra 20 V2 Electronic Pelvic Toner
Reviews for the Kegel8 Ultra 20 Electronic Pelvic Toner:
Holly - Amazing!
"After having two difficult delivery's, I had constant problems including frequency and uti's I also ended up having a hysterectomy at 30! After years of gynae problems, I hoped that would be the end of it ,but my bladder problems returned along with a dragging feeling. Out of desperation I ordered the
Maureen - Try This Machine If You Are Suffering!
"I am 72 years old and have a stage 2 prolapse. The prolapse had become so uncomfortable, but a friend recommended the Kegel8 Ultra 20. I have used the Kegel8 for nearly 8 weeks everyday. I cannot believe the difference this has made to my life - I have just been abroad for a long holiday and have been able to walk and dance everyday. I would fully recommend anyone who is suffering from this horrible feeling of bulging around the vagina to use the Kegel8 Ultra 20. It takes just 20 minutes a day to improve life so considerably. Anyone suffering - do not hesitate to try this machine it can make life so much more comfortable and, hopefully, save surgery."