If you’re someone who enjoys weightlifting as part of your fitness routine, you may be surprised to learn that your vagina is also capable of some weight training. This isn’t about building bulk or conquering jar lids—although that would certainly be an amusing sight. Instead, vaginal weights can offer numerous benefits for your pelvic floor muscles.
What Are Vaginal Weights?
So, what exactly are these vaginal weights? They are small, tampons-sized weights that are inserted into the vagina, typically ranging from 28 grams to 140 grams. The purpose of using these weights is to enhance the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.
Katherine Lane, a physical therapist and owner of The Strong Pelvis, explains that vaginal weights function similarly to regular gym weights. “They add resistance,” Lane states. “For instance, when you perform squats at the gym, you might start without weights. Eventually, you’ll need to increase the challenge to build stronger muscles.” Some products even claim that using these weights can replace 100 Kegel exercises in just a few minutes, promising stronger vaginal muscles, improved bladder control, easier childbirth, and enhanced sexual satisfaction.
The Challenge of Kegels
Let’s face it: not many people enjoy doing Kegels—the exercises that involve contracting your pelvic floor muscles as if you’re trying to stop urination. While Kegels are helpful, they may not be effective for everyone. Most people don’t need to start with weights right away; they can be introduced later for additional resistance if necessary. For those struggling with Kegels, consulting a pelvic floor specialist to create a personalized program is advised.
Importance of Pelvic Floor Muscles
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is crucial as they act like a sling between the tailbone and pubic bone, supporting the bladder, internal organs, and contributing to pelvic stability. “I often recommend these weights to individuals experiencing stress incontinence—leakage during activities like laughing or running,” Lane shares.
Consult a Professional
However, vaginal weights are not suitable for everyone. Some patients may have pelvic floor muscles that are too tight rather than weak. Thus, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise regimen. Before using weights, it’s important to be able to perform a proper pelvic floor contraction while standing without any added weight. If that’s a challenge, seek expert advice.
Overall Core Stability
The pelvic floor muscles are integral to overall core stability, supporting abdominal organs and playing a role in urinary and fecal control, along with sexual function. Weakness in these muscles can lead to various issues, including back pain and discomfort during intimate moments.
Post-Childbirth Considerations
After childbirth, many women experience new challenges. If you find yourself dealing with unwanted leaks or ineffective Kegel routines, it may be time to explore vaginal weights or seek professional guidance. It’s comforting to know that there’s an accessible solution for enhancing your pelvic health, one that you can even manage in the comfort of your home. Plus, how amusing would it be to know you’re working out your lady parts while out grocery shopping?
Additional Resources
For additional insights on home insemination, check out our home insemination kit blog. Also, for expert knowledge, visit Dr. Mark Henderson, Medical Director at TFP Oxford Fertility. For further reading, Science Daily provides an excellent resource on fertility and pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, vaginal weights can provide an effective way to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which are vital for bladder control and overall pelvic stability. As always, consult a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.