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What are Kegel Weights?

Mandi R. Hall
Mandi R. Hall

When used correctly and regularly, Kegel weights assist in the strengthening of the pubococcygeal (PC) muscles, or the pelvic floor. To use a Kegel weight, a woman inserts it into her vagina and performs vaginal exercises by localizing and squeezing her PC muscles around the weight. Kegel exercise weights are most often used by pregnant or soon-to-be-pregnant women, and those who have recently given birth. Other people who use Kegel weights may include those with urinary incontinence issues, and those who wish to strengthen their PC muscles for sexual purposes.

The PC muscles support the surrounding sphincter, bladder, and urethra. By using Kegel weights to strengthen these muscles, a woman decreases her chance of vaginal leakage, vaginal flatulence and other related issues. These things can happen while simply sitting or standing, or when a normal act — such as sneezing, laughing, jumping, stretching, or coughing — applies significant pressure on the bladder. Such problems are often consequences of a weak pelvic floor, which can be strengthened with the consistent use of a vaginal weight.

Kegel weights are most often used by pregnant women to help strengthen PC muscles.
Kegel weights are most often used by pregnant women to help strengthen PC muscles.

Though pregnancy can hinder the pelvic floor’s performance, so can obesity, aging, weak PC area tissues, and chronic coughs. In addition to the embarrassment that accompanies issues such as urinary incontinence, weak PC muscles can also contribute to more serious consequences, such as pelvic organ prolapse. When this happens, the pelvic organs slide down toward the vagina, causing leakage and an uncomfortable vaginal and abdominal pressure. By exercising with vaginal weights, a woman is strengthening the very walls that can prevent a prolapse from happening.

Some women experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.
Some women experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.

The Kegel exercise was popularized by Los Angeles gynecologist Dr. Arnold M. Kegel. In 1948, Dr. Kegel began preparing his patients for childbirth by having them practice vaginal contractions on their own. Dr. Kegel also invented the Kegel perineometer, a pelvic muscle sensor. When using this device, patients and their attending medical personnel could monitor their contraction progress.

Kegel weights are no bigger than the size of a tampon.
Kegel weights are no bigger than the size of a tampon.

Modern simplified Kegel weights, however, are simple devices with no specific feedback measures. While vaginal weights do exist with internal gauges, many believe the gauge is not necessary. A women who purchase Kegel weights are instructed to simply insert the weight — which is no bigger than a tampon — into her vagina and practice holding it there for several repetitions of a few to several seconds at a time, just like a regular fitness exercise. With regular practice — performing the exercise at least three times a day — women are said to vastly improve their vaginal strength within three to 12 weeks.

Obesity can contribute to weak pubococcygeal (PC) muscles.
Obesity can contribute to weak pubococcygeal (PC) muscles.

Kegel weights are commonly made of stainless steel, as it is a nonporous material that is easily sterilized with mild soap and water. They are also made from rubber, as it doesn’t break like plastic or glass. Rubber Kegel weights may include a pressure gauge, allowing a woman to monitor her contraction progress.

The weight itself generally looks like a barbell, typically with a one-inch (2.54-centimeter) diameter. It is smooth to the touch and glides comfortably into the vagina. It may also double as a sex toy. Some Kegel weights are sold with spring sets, which allow for the gradual contraction resistance.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

If you have bladder issues that are caused by weak pelvic muscles then it is recommended that you do pelvic floor exercises at least three times a day. The exercises are pretty simple, so it's not a big strain, but you have to be consistent, and not skip workouts. Otherwise, you won't see much of a gain from the exercises.

Sporkasia

Even before you get older or before you gain weight or get pregnant, it is a good idea to start working the kegal muscles. These muscles are like other muscles in the body. The stronger they are and the more you work them the better they are able to do the job they are supposed to do. Don't wait until you have a problem to start thinking about them.

I have never tried the kegel weights, but I do pelvic exercises regularly, and after reading this article I think the weights might be worth looking into. Even if they do not work, I'll have a new toy.

Drentel

Strong kegel muscles are also important for men, and for some of the same reasons as they are important to women. However, one of the biggest ways these muscles benefit men that they don't help women is they allow us to have more stamina in the bedroom. There are simple exercises you can do to help strengthen them.

Stopping your urine flow when you are going to the bathroom is one thing men can do. Just tighten the muscles for three seconds or so and when the urine stops flowing you know you are working on the right muscles. These exercises are even more important for men because we don't have any kegel weights to help us out in that department.

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    • Kegel weights are most often used by pregnant women to help strengthen PC muscles.
      By: LanaK
      Kegel weights are most often used by pregnant women to help strengthen PC muscles.
    • Some women experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Some women experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.
    • Kegel weights are no bigger than the size of a tampon.
      By: noci0114
      Kegel weights are no bigger than the size of a tampon.
    • Obesity can contribute to weak pubococcygeal (PC) muscles.
      By: JanMika
      Obesity can contribute to weak pubococcygeal (PC) muscles.
    • Performing kegel exercises in addition to gentle stretches may help strengthen a woman's vaginal walls prior to giving birth.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Performing kegel exercises in addition to gentle stretches may help strengthen a woman's vaginal walls prior to giving birth.
    • Chronic coughs can hinder the pelvic floor, which can be strengthened with kegel weights.
      By: Gang
      Chronic coughs can hinder the pelvic floor, which can be strengthened with kegel weights.
    • A woman who uses Kegel weights may decrease her chances of experiencing uterine prolapse.
      By: jovannig
      A woman who uses Kegel weights may decrease her chances of experiencing uterine prolapse.
    • Kegel weights can help a woman prepare for childbirth.
      By: olly
      Kegel weights can help a woman prepare for childbirth.