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Many of us know Kegels as the dreaded exercise our doctor tells us to do while standing in line at the store or sitting at a red light, but these pelvic floor exercises have a valuable place in your daily to-do list during pregnancy. Named after gynecologist Arnold Kegel, these exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which stretch during pregnancy and childbirth. If done correctly, Kegels can minimize stretching and make the muscles in your pelvic and vaginal area strong. Sherry A. Ross, MD, an OB-GYN at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, says your doctor may suggest a regular Kegel routine during pregnancy — which makes sense, especially since you need these muscles strong to assist during labor and to help minimize postpartum incontinence. If this is your first baby, you may not understand the critical role these muscles play after childbirth. But once you hit the postpartum stage, you’ll soon discover the importance of your pelvic floor muscles. Not only do they support the reproductive organs and control bladder and bowel function, Ross says strong pelvic floor muscles can also help delay or prevent pelvic organ prolapse and other related symptoms. And if done correctly and repeatedly, she also points out that you can avoid symptoms such as stress and urge incontinence that can result from childbirth as well as plain ol’ aging. Ideally, your pelvic floor is active — both contracting and releasing —throughout all daily activities, from sitting to standing to recruitment during exercise. But once you understand how to find your pelvic floor muscles and the steps to perform a Kegel, you can do these exercises anywhere and without anyone even knowing. To identify your pelvic floor muscles, Ross says to follow these steps:Go to the bathroom. While urinating, stop the flow midstream and hold it for 3 seconds.Relax, allowing the flow of urine to continue. Repeat. While it may take a few tries to find the right muscles to tighten or squeeze, if you stick with it, you’ll be busting out multiple sets of Kegels in no time. Now that you know how to identify these important muscles, it’s time to learn how to incorporate Kegel exercises into your daily routine. The thing to remember, as with all muscles, says Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, the owner of FeminaPT.com, is they need to be able to contract well but also relax and lengthen. “This is especially important as the pelvic floor needs to lengthen during pregnancy and vaginal delivery,” she adds. When doing Kegels, Jeffcoat says to perform them from the back to the front, meaning, from the anus towards the vagina. If done correctly, Jeffcoat says you will also feel a gentle contraction with flattening of your lower abs.“The number of Kegels you should do to maintain your fitness level varies and depends on factors such as rehabilitating from an injury, dealing with stress incontinence or prolapse, or pelvic pain,” Jeffcoat says. If there are no symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, Jeffcoat recommends the following protocol:Contract or tighten the muscles for 3 seconds. Rest for 3 seconds. Do 2 sets of 10 to 15 every other day.Alternate with quick contractions of 2 sets of 10 to 15 on the other days.If remembering to contract these powerhouse muscles is a problem, Jeffcoat says there are Bluetooth enabled devices that can give you feedback. “In my office, we recommend using the Attain, which provides visual feedback plus pelvic floor muscle electrical stimulation to assist with your pelvic floor contractions,” she adds. Kegels are a pelvic floor muscle contraction, so like any muscle in your body, you should be attentive to strengthening them throughout your lifespan.For many women, doing Kegels during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to keep the pelvic floor muscles strong. However, Jeffcoat says if you are experiencing pelvic, abdominal, hip, or back pain, doing Kegels may be one factor feeding into your pain cycle. “Examples of pelvic and abdominal pain that should give a woman pause to consider the appropriateness of Kegels are if they have symptoms such as bladder pain (painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis), vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus, dyspareunia or painful intercourse, urinary urgency and/or frequency, endometriosis, or constipation,” she explains. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, Jeffcoat strongly recommends getting an evaluation by a pelvic floor physical therapist who can help direct a woman’s plan of care.The benefits of Kegel exercises, says Jamie Lipeles, DO, an OB-GYN and founder of Marina OB-GYN in Marina Del Rey, include:stronger pelvic floor musclesbetter control of the urinary bladderbetter control of avoiding rectal incontinencea tighter vagina, which can lead to more pleasurable sexAdditionally, Jeffcoat says what many people don’t know is that Kegel exercises can also help with postural support. “This extra support is essential in reducing other…

Article Source > www.healthline.com

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.Use Arrow Keys to NavigateAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below1Lovehoney Kegel balls – Lovehoney Main Squeeze Single Kegel Ball 30g1Lovehoney Kegel balls – Lovehoney Main Squeeze Single Kegel Ball 30gFor your first ever kegel balls experience, this Lovehoney 30g kegel ball has got you covered. It’s large but lightweight so a great one to start with. And it has an internal free-roaming ball which provides extra sensations when you’re wearing it. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below2Lovehoney Kegel balls – Lovehoney Main Squeeze Heavy Double Kegel Balls 90g2Lovehoney Kegel balls – Lovehoney Main Squeeze Heavy Double Kegel Balls 90gBest for anyone who doesn’t have a huge budget, these kegel balls from Lovehoney are affordable and super easy to use and non-intimidating.  Their90g weight offers an intense workout for those looking to build on their pelvic health, so are best for not total beginners. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Je Joue Kegel balls – Je Joue Ami 3 Step Luxury Kegel Balls Set3Je Joue Kegel balls – Je Joue Ami 3 Step Luxury Kegel Balls SetJe Joue’s luxury silicone kegel set comes presented in beautiful gift packaging, that’s how cute it is. It’s a three-step system, each step has a differently shaped and weighted exerciser to effectively tone your pelvic floor to increase sexual sensitivity and intensify orgasms. They all have rrgonomic retrieval loops that make removal easy, too.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Lelo Kegel balls – LELO Luna Beads Noir Kegel Balls 72g4Lelo Kegel balls – LELO Luna Beads Noir Kegel Balls 72gLELO’s Luna beads aka kegel balls are actually pretty affordable for a LELO product! They are 2 x 36g super-smooth luxury kegel balls presented in a gift box with a LELO lubricant and a satin pouch. They have been designed to deliver heightened sensations with every movement thanks to the the free-roaming weights inside each ball. They also have a silicone harness and pull-cord for easy use and safe retrieval.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Kegel balls – LELO Hula Beads5Kegel balls – LELO Hula Beads£149LELO’s Hula Beads claim to be the first ever remote-controlled pleasure beads that rotate and vibrate, making them a unique LELO design. With powerful yet discreet vibrations, it’s perfect for those that enjoy the subtle sensation, but want a little bit more.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below6Tracey Cox Kegel balls – Tracey Cox Supersex Kegel Toner Set6Tracey Cox Kegel balls – Tracey Cox Supersex Kegel Toner SetThis kegel ball set from Lovehoney sex expert Tracey Cox are silicone balls containing free-roaming balls for extra stimulation. Tracey says, “Start off with the single kegel ball and progress to the more advanced double toner balls for greater orgasm control and intensity.” The balls are made from soft silicone and are free-roaming within the harnesses, meaning you get extra stimulation. They also, importantly, feature a retrieval cord for easy removal.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7We-Vibe Kegel balls – We-Vibe Bloom App Controlled Rechargeable Vibrating Kegel Balls7We-Vibe Kegel balls – We-Vibe Bloom App Controlled Rechargeable Vibrating Kegel BallsThese weighted kegel balls are designed to tone and tighten your pelvic floor when used regularly. The balls come in three progressive weights and can also vibrate for extra stimulation. You can also connect with your partner regardless of distance with the free We-Connect™ app. It allows you to control each other’s We-Vibe toys with both preset modes and customised vibrations.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below8Fifty Shades of Grey Kegel balls – Fifty Shades of Grey Relentless Vibrations Remote Kegel Balls8Fifty Shades of Grey Kegel balls – Fifty Shades of Grey Relentless Vibrations Remote Kegel BallsNow 50% OffThese Fifty Shades kegel balls are 40g in weight which makes them ideal for beginners and first-timers. They also vibrate for extra stimulation and come with a silicone remote control. You can control the remote, or let a partner. The set also includes a satin bag for discreet storage (or if you want to gift it to someone!)Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

Article Source > www.cosmopolitan.com

Kegels are something many of us have heard of doing, but not everyone might understand the point of. It’s an exercise of the pelvic floor muscle that is commonly described as tensing as though you want to stop a flow of urine.
We spoke to Sarah Mulindwa, sexual health expert at Lovehoney, to get a better understanding of why Kegels are so important.

READ NEXT: Birchbox is teaming up with Womanizer for a limited edition self-care package with savings of £50
Sarah said: “Kegel exercises are important because they strengthen your pelvic floor muscle which, in women, helps prevent incontinence and urine leakage. They are particularly important for those that have recently gone through childbirth, or had any surgery or other related issues to do with the pelvis.”
While the exercises do have an association with avoiding urine leakage after childbirth, there are more benefits to doing Kegels than just that.

Pelvic exercises can go a long way in helping with weak pelvic floor muscles(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

Sarah said: “Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor which can not only help to prevent urine leakage, but also lead to stronger and longer orgasms.”

While many of us have attempted Kegel exercises at some point or another, it’s the tensing you do when you try to stop the flow of urine, venturing out to using equipment is something that might not be so familiar.
But is there an advantage to using Kegel balls rather than just doing the exercises solo?

Sarah said: “The concept is the same as with any form of weightlifting – pelvic floor exercises on their own are great, but using weighted Kegel balls will make it even stronger.”
It doesn’t matter what age you are, or if you’ve given birth in the past or not, you can start up your pelvic floor exercise regime at any point.

Some people use weights to help with pelvic floor exercises(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

Sarah said: “Just like any other exercise or muscle-building activity, it is never too late to start doing Kegel exercises but, just like the others, the more you do and the earlier you start, the stronger your pelvic floor will be.”
I’ve collated a small guide of some of the best Kegel weights to get you started on your journey to toning up your pelvic floor.
For a total beginner who doesn’t want to spend too much as they start their workout there’s a singular Kegel ball weighing 30g for just £7.99, it has a circumference of 4.5 inches and has a silicone coating which is fairly standard for a Kegel weight.
If you’d rather take on more of of a journey, there are sets of multiple different weights to work yourself up to as you can handle something heavier.

Silicone Kegel Toning Set

From the Lovehoney Health range is a set of three weights (50g, 80g, 100g) in the signature mint green shade of the Health range, each weight comes in a different shape making it really easy to tell them apart at a glance.

These weights have sturdy removal loops that remain outside of the body and make for easy retrieval after you’ve finished exercising. They come with a grey bag to easily store your weights and the set costs £49.99.
If you want something a little different, there are vibrating Kegel balls that you can get, they come in much lower weights and are customisable. The Lovehoney Rechargeable Remote Control Vibrating Kegel Ball Set features five balls, the 11g ball vibrates whereas the two 21g and two 29g balls do not.
The vibration setting is not crucial for a strong workout but can add a thrill to the experience, this set costs £49.99.

Tracey Cox Supersex Kegel Training Set

The Tracey Cox Supersex Kegel Training Set features six weights, ranging from 50g to 130g, which allows you to gradually work your way up as you find you’re able to use a heavier weight. The weights come in a case for easy storage so you can easily tuck them away and know that they aren’t at risk of damage.

What’s interesting about this set is the shape of the Kegel balls, instead of the classic spherical ball it has a more streamlined shape that is almost similar to a tadpole – this makes it easier to remove the weight after use and makes it a great starting point on any Kegel journey. It also has a circumference of 3.5 inches, making it narrower than most Kegel weights on the market.
At £59.99 this is the most expensive set on our guide but the quality and ease of use make it clear that there is good value for money.
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Article Source > www.walesonline.co.uk

Kegel egzersizi, pelvik taban kaslarının güçlenmesine yardımcı olan bir egzersiz türü. Kegel egzersizlerine yardımcı olan ürünlerden biri olan Ben Wa topları ise vajinaya yerleştirilen ve pelvik taban kaslarını güçlendirme amacıyla kullanılan pinpon topu büyüklüğünde bir ürün. Kendi küçük, işlevi büyük olan bu topların kegel egzersizlerine yardımcı olmadaki asıl amacı, orgazm kalitesini ve yoğunluğunu arttırmak. Yaklaşık 25-50 gram ağırlığında olan Ben Wa toplarına ayrıca kegel topları da deniyor. Peki, Ben Wa topları nasıl kullanılıyor?

Article Source > amp.onedio.com

Why Go for Online Stores?
Whenever you look up product reviews, you might notice an uncanny similarity. All the online stores bag the first places. Have you ever thought about why people bank on online stores to this extent?
In this digital era, people always look out for easier options. So purchasing any products like kegel exercises is only a matter of time for online shopping. You can easily purchase products anywhere and anytime and cancel them as well.
Expose yourself to various brands for the same product via online stores. Even more, price comparisons are what buyers enjoy on these platforms. With just a few clicks, you can navigate through the product pages and spend your money wisely.
Just in the palm of your hands, you can grab some amazing deals at low prices. Who would not love this?
Factors You Need to Consider When Buying kegel exercises from Online Stores
Are you on the hunt for kegel exercises? Well, purchasing online needs some contemplation. To help your cover all the important questions, we have prepared a list.
Just go through the question list. Feel free to do your own research while purchasing the kegel exercises. Below are some examples you might deem right to ask:

Is the kegel exercises really worth the money?
What specific advantages does it offer?
Does the kegel exercises you’re picking have any innovative features?
What are some of the best features of the kegel exercises?
Does your kegel exercises come with a warranty?
Does it have any con that might prove to be detrimental in the long run?
Where will you find enough information about kegel exercises?
Where can you find some of the best kegel exercisess?

Probably, you have come up with way more questions than there are on the list. Do not deprive your curious mind of the answers. Research, research, and research, until you locate the answers to the factors.
Other Benefits of Buying Products From Online Stores
The list of pros for purchasing online can be unending. We havefound you multiple reasons to purchase a kegel exercises from Online Store. So let’s dive in to see some of the best advantages:
Best Prices
Online purchase has been renowned for offering items at the best possible prices. As such places have networks with many dealers and manufacturers, sellers offer the best deals. Moreover, there are no intermediaries, which lessens the additional costs.
Comparability
You can easily compare the same product on many websites at once, just by sitting at home. Then, by seeing the ratings, you can evaluate which product to go for by yourself. Thus, you can gain access to better quality than traditional shopping.
Reliability
As online stores portray customer reviews,  purchasing from them gives a reliability boost. If faced with any defect, there is a scope for you to change.
Some stores have excellent customer service, pushing you to buy from there.
Huge Array
Online stores have a large consumer base. Every day, millions of people shop online. Moreover, after the pandemic, more and more people are inclined towards online shopping.
What’s in it for you?
You get to choose the best product from the pool of various choices. If one model does not meet your criteria, you always have the flexibility to jump to some other models.
Convenience
Who does not love convenience? Having everything as per your wish is something to die for. Buying a product from an online store is such. You do not have to worry about the time, the place, or the crowd.
Everything happens when you want it and how you want it.
How to Choose Your kegel exercises
If you want to purchase products like the kegel exercises, you need to follow a buying guide. Some features need to tick your boxes before buying. Let’s take a look at them:
Price
If you want to grab the best deal, the price is what you would check first. Then, compare the price that various sellers offer and choose the best suitable one.
Brand
When you buy the kegel exercises, the brand is the second thing that you might consider. Learn to differentiate among brands to arrive at the right decision.
Warranty
The warranty of the kegel exercises must be taken into account as well. No one would like to spend dollars on a product that barely lasts a month!
Functionality
Check out your kegel exercises’s functionality when you buy it. An easy way to do that would be to check the specs.
Remember, the more vast the specs, the greater your product’s functionality.
Size
You must know the size/dimensions of your kegel exercises. Any wrong fit will make the product useless. Thus, it is recommended to learn about the product size beforehand.
Color
Suppose you end up buying a kegel exercises whose color does not meet your taste. It would be throwing your money down the drain.
Hence, you should note what color preferences you have. Then, later, check if the online store features them or not.
Old Customer Reviews
Most smart purchasers would do this. Verifying the authenticity of the…

Article Source > factschronicle.com

A recent scientific review of 23 trials found that no clear difference in results for cis women who used vaginal weights for Kegel exercises and those who practiced another form of pelvic floor therapy. However, some people find that using weights can make doing Kegels easier to complete (they can also feel great for some). Discussing the review in the New York Times, Jen Gunter, MD, writes, “If the idea of weights appeals to you (some women love tools and devices), then they are fine to try.”

Article Source > www.refinery29.com

I’ve always been inspired by the sex positivity of Broad City’s Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, so when I read that there was a line of Broad City sex toys, I was eager to get my hands (and possibly other parts of my body) on one. Since I heard they were selling out, I decided to go for the Nature’s Pocket Kegel Balls, which are probably the most Broad City-inspired products in the whole collection. Aside from building strength in your vagina — Broad City is all about pussy power — the name reflects a joke of Ilana’s: She stores weed in her vagina and calls it “nature’s pocket.” Pocket Kegel Balls, $30, Love HoneyIn case you’re not familiar with kegel balls, they’re round objects you put in your vagina in order to exercise it. Specifically, you do kegel exercises, which involve clenching and unclenching your vagina around them. But they’re also fun just to put in and wear around. Even if they’re not enough to get you off singlehandedly (though they can be nice to have in your vagina in addition to clit stimulation), wearing them around the house can make working from home a lot more fun. (I say this from experience.)My first reaction when I took these out of their box was that they’re very clunky. When I’ve used kegel balls before, they’ve been completely attached to each other, with a shape and size that makes them go in pretty easily. These ones are only held together by a rubber string that goes around both, and this piece not only makes them a bit lumpy but also means you have to put them in one by one. And they’re pretty big, too. I had to lie on my back and use lube to get the first one in, and the second was even more of a struggle. Honestly, it was kind of painful. Broad City Nature’s Pocket Kegel Balls, $30, Love HoneyOne of my favorite things about kegel balls is that you can walk around with them in and nobody will notice. They’re your little secret. With these, though, I couldn’t really do that. Since they’re kind of big and lumpy, it got uncomfortable to walk around in them. Walking with just one in was OK for me, but once I added in the second one, I started to feel it rubbing and pinching against places where I did not want to feel it. And if I just left one in… well, then I had a ball hanging by a rubber string from my vagina, and I’m pretty sure people would have noticed that. I was just about ready to give up on these after a day, but then I noticed something that salvaged them. The name isn’t just a gimmick: You actually can store things in them. They come with weights in them to give you extra exercise, but you can take the balls out of their rubber string, pull them in half, and stick whatever you want in there. It’s the same reason I like kegel balls in the first place: What’s in there is my little secret.I don’t happen to share Ilana’s need to store weed, but the idea of storing anything in my vagina is intriguing. It is pretty cool to have my own free, natural, built-in pocket. The ability conjures up some primal feeling of self-sufficiency, even though I have no need for it. Perhaps it’s the same reason I like kegel balls in the first place: What’s in there is my little secret. And with these, you can have even more secrets. If you’re looking to use kegel balls for their intended purpose, I probably wouldn’t recommend these. I’d probably instead recommend the Yarlap, which delivers electric pulses (I swear, that’s not as scary or painful as it sounds) to your vagina to make it contract on its own, no effort necessary. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a way to carry your keys around when you don’t have pockets or a purse, these just may be for you. Never mind the fact that you’d have to pull something out of your vagina when you arrive at your door. OK, so this idea is wildly impractical. But some things are worthwhile just for the concept. Get Even More From Bustle — Sign Up For The NewsletterFrom hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person who’s on TikTok, even if you aren’t.

Article Source > www.bustle.com

The muscles in the vagina weaken naturally over time, or after events including childbirth. That can lead to urinary incontinence. That’s why Greves says that pelvic floor-strengthening exercises are so crucial. Besides helping to improve bladder control, Sania JIjaz, MD says that kegels can increase vaginal tightness. Yup, kegels can increase your sexual pleasure by giving you stronger, more intense orgasms.When you’re not turning to kegel balls to treat incontinence or tighten your vagina, you can even use them as sex toys, says Jess O’Reilly, PhD, host of the @SexWithDrJess Podcast. “You might insert the balls and rotate or gently tug on the strings to create a range of sensations,” she explains. “Some people enjoy pulling them out very slowly to heighten awareness and bring attention to the more subtle sensations.” To take these sensations up a notch, try running your balls under cool or warm water before inserting them. “Changes in temperature can heighten arousal and change the way we interpret pleasure by activating the body’s sensitive thermoreceptors,” O’Reilly adds.

Article Source > www.womenshealthmag.com

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Kegel balls, while small in size, can be mighty in impact. Also known as Ben Wa balls or love balls, these intimate accessories have multiple uses, from strengthening pelvic floor muscles to better orgasms.If you’ve ever looked into vagina health, you’ll likely be familiar with the concept of kegel exercises—muscle training movements for strengthening the health of the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises can help combat common vagina problems that come as a result of the pelvic floor weakening. “Our pelvic floor covers the whole inside of our pelvis, it’s a big muscle running from our tailbone to the pubic bone at the front, so kegel exercises involve us strengthening the whole muscle,” says Lucy Allen (opens in new tab), lead women’s physio at Naytal, an online clinic for pregnancy and post-natal needs. “It’s so important because it affects so many aspects of our lives, from body confidence and intimacy to socializing,” she adds, “Our pelvic floor muscles are vital in controlling our bladder and bowel function and supporting our pelvic organs.” As well as helping prevent, control and improve urinary incontinence through strengthening the pelvic floor, kegel balls are also a gamechanger when it comes to maximizing sexual pleasure (if you’re keen to learn more about how else you can boost your sexual experiences, read our guide to how to have an orgasm that will blow your socks off). What are kegel balls?Kegel balls come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You might find them listed under orgasm balls, geisha balls, or jiggle balls, but they all have the same purpose. Two weighted balls on cords make up the basic structure of a kegel ball set. You might see kegel balls without cords, in larger sizes, with heavier weights, or in silicone and smooth metal materials. Some kegel balls have also been developed to pulse and give off vibrations that deliver sensation directly to the pelvic floor muscles. If you already do kegel exercises, start off with a simple set of kegel balls at a low weight. If you’re totally new to pelvic floor training, try kegel exercises without the balls first. If you suffer from any vagina problems such as pelvic pain, endometriosis, or pelvic infections, speak with your OB/GYN or a sexual health professional before you use kegel balls. They can help you understand how to tell if there’s something wrong down there and if kegel balls are suitable for you. (Image credit: Getty Images )What are the benefits of kegel balls? There are two key benefits of using kegel balls on a regular basis—for pelvic floor strengthening and also enhanced sexual pleasure. 1. Strengthen pelvic floor muscles Kegel balls will certainly help strengthen your pelvic floor and combat the most common symptoms of weakened pelvic muscles, including incontinence when laughing, coughing, or sneezing, difficulty getting to the toilet on time, postpartum pelvic prolapse, and pain during sex. “When I found out that with the onset of perimenopause your pelvic floor has a 50% increased chance of getting weaker, I knew I needed something to challenge my pelvic floor,” says Julie Colan (opens in new tab), a pelvic health campaigner and the founder of Secret Whispers. She adds, “Weighted balls not only challenge your pelvic floor but they teach you where your correct pelvic floor muscles are.”By using kegel balls you’ll get familiar with the sensations of your pelvic floor muscles, and start to understand how strong they are or where there is room for improvement. 2. Better orgasms You might instinctively reach for your best vibrator for a mind-blowing orgasm, but instead, why not try kegel balls to optimize your pleasure? “By activating and relaxing your pelvic floor you can increase blood flow to your vulva, and strengthen the muscles that contract during your orgasms. This can intensify sensations in your vulva and increase the strength of your orgasms,” says Caroline D’arcy, (opens in new tab) a sexologist at EKHO wellbeing.There’s no official scientific evidence to support the claim that kegel balls increase sexual function and satisfaction directly. However, we do know that a healthy pelvic floor can increase the enjoyment of sex. Kegel balls are often cited as being a great tool for erotic anticipation. Wearing them ‘wakes the vagina up’ and stimulates it from the inside and sex experts posit that these contractions boost arousal both before and during…

Article Source > www.womanandhome.com

Katie BuckleitnerIt all started when a friend of mine told me her clubbing pregame secret: She’d insert a kegel trainer (two little weighted balls on a string) inside her vagina when she went out, explaining that the weight of the balls trained her PC muscles to contract and strengthen while she drank watered-down vodka cranberries and danced.Fucking great, I thought. Not only did this surface weird anxieties about my “loose” vagina that society has trained me to irrationally fear, but it pissed me off. At least prior to this info, I had assumed the strength of your vagina was Out of Your Control, like your first nose, or the birth year you pay someone to erase from your Wikipedia page when you get famous. Out of sight, out of mind right? Wrong, apparently.Fast-forward two years and my editor has assigned me to train my p-slur with a kegel toy, for journalism, of course! Attention Pulitzer committee: You must specify Cosmopolitan.com when you mail my award to me; otherwise I may not get it!More From Cosmopolitan play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playCue panic! I can’t even stick to a regs workout routine, let alone one that requires lube and squatting over my bathmat precariously trying to shove plastic inside of me. LoveLife KrushThe technology of kegel weights has vastly improved in the past two years. There are now kegel exercisers, like the Lovelife Krush that I tried, that utilize bluetooth to send you real-time feedback while you clench, testing the strength of your PC muscles. Silicon Valley has not failed women! Stop saying that! While this is theoretically a great idea, the real-time feedback is lost on me, a person who often shakes my phone an extra few times to trick the health app into thinking I may have walked an extra block (if it’s dumb enough to count that as a step, it’s NOT EVEN MY FAULT!). What is cool however, is the ability for the kegel trainer to spring into little workout modes, vibrating at certain intervals to jolt your PC muscles into contracting and strengthening. The Krush is a wonky little pink silicone kegel trainer that looks like two rubber balls with a tail. There’s also an anchor involved — a rubber boat-looking thing with a deep groove running from the front to the back. The retrieval cord is thick hollow rubber, so it’s a bit more conspicuous than the average tampon string.I was basically the physical equivalent of someone who just gave birth, minus the miracle.I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to confirm what I had hoped was true all along: that I had the tightest vagina on earth, that I’d broken the app. That my PC muscles were so off-the-charts, that Guinness World Record officials would be stopping by in a week’s time to award me with a prize. “Oh, I had no idea!” I’d feign cluelessness when people asked me about my record-shatteringly strong birth canal, swatting fanboys away like flies while a team of shirtless hotties fanned me from the heat.No such luck! After my first “workout” with the app, I checked with bated breath to see my results, which … what the fuck?! I had scored the lowest of the low across the board in almost every category: initial pressure, control ability, and max strength. This stupid app told me I was basically the physical equivalent of someone who had just squeezed a tiny human out of their birth canal, minus the miracle. The only saving grace was that I had scored normal-good in endurance — not even cool considering I’ve been clenching my body since 2013. Well, if I wasn’t going to start out with a super-fit vagina already, I wasn’t super excited to commit myself to a Whole Regimen for something I wouldn’t visually be able to track progress of (unlike say, when I do three squats and swear my butt has swelled up at least two pant sizes). At the very least, I wanted to test out my old friend’s hot clubbing tip: Would going out in public with the trainer be a fun experience?It seemed daunting. For starters, I don’t think you’re supposed to wear this one while out and about, unlike the version my friend used. Secondly, this puppy vibrates — audibly. Nevertheless, I soldiered on. Since I don’t hit the clubs up very often, I decided to do the next best thing: go window-shopping on a Sunday afternoon. Wild! I recruited a friend who was willing to walk around Brooklyn together, listening for any rogue sounds emanating from my vagina (and also act as general support lest I sneeze and the whole thing clatters out on the floor of the Whole Foods in Williamsburg and I have to chase after it on my hands and knees past the LaCroix wall). But yeah, mostly to listen, sure. First up, we hit up a coffee shop. I turned the trainer to workout mode outside and almost immediately I had to lean on a nearby pole, I was so taken aback. Doing the workout when I’m in my pajamas in bed reading Gilmore Girl fan theories is one thing. Standing up is a whole ‘nother thing. I couldn’t concentrate on…

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