If you struggle with doing your Kegels daily, you may benefit from automating the process with a device designed especially to make the job easier. With so many devices on the market now, it can be hard to know which is the right one for you.
We review & rate the Kegel8 Ultra 20; iTouch Sure Pelvic Floor Exerciser; Kegel Angel; Sensatone Digital Compact; and the iStim V2 – alongside user reviews drawn from across several product sites.
PRODUCT: Kegel8 Ultra 20
VERDICT:
Premium price, powerful results
OVERALL RATING:
4.7 / 5
At the top end of the price range for EMS devices, the Ultra 20 was first released in 2016 by Kegel8, a multi award winning company based in the UK. This latest version of the device offers 20 pre-set programs to target a wide range of pelvic floor issues, including incontinence and prolapse. With its patented ‘Smile’ screen, users can see when their Kegels are engaged.
Buyers also get an excellent bonus with this product – as leading women’s health physiotherapist Amanda Savage has created 9 exercise plans to accompany the Kegel8 Ultra 20. These can be found in the ‘Let’s Get Started’ Guide, which comes with the device – offering tailored treatment plans for bladder weakness, stress incontinence, prolapse, menopause symptoms, pelvic pain, lack of sensation and more. In addition, the Guide details how women can best use the device for rehabilitation postpartum or following gynecological surgery.
In a nutshell:
- Comprehensive pre-set programs
- Very rapid results reported by reviewers across the web
- Addresses many different pelvic health concerns effectively
- Some reviewers say it is not helpful in treating pelvic pain
- Clinically approved & recommended by professionals
Reviewers say:
“This item is very much worth the money spent. It has helped me tremendously, would recommend to anyone who is looking to purchase one. Don’t expect over night results, can take 12wks plus to feel the benefits, but you won’t be disappointed.“
“Marvelous! I have been experiencing mild/moderate mixed stress incontinence for approx the last 12 months. I am in my fifties and had a hysterectomy 8 years ago. I spent a long time deciding to buy a Kegel because of the cost – I now regret wasting so much time. I noticed a difference within days and within two weeks I had stopped using panty liners!”
“Just started menopause and after years of leaking (since having children) discovered I had a mild prolapse. This has definitely made a difference, not out of the woods yet though but cannot feel any problems with prolapse anymore. Leaking dramatically improved when using every day but got bit lazy before Christmas and was only using it now and again and felt things regressing so now using it regularly again so should improve again. Would recommend it definitely.”
PRODUCT: Tenscare iTouch Sure
VERDICT:
Basic, but does a brilliant job
OVERALL RATING: 4.7 / 5
Another very reputable UK based company, TensCare offers a wide range of innovative EMS-based pain relief and health products. The iTouch Sure has been among the UK’s best selling pelvic floor toners for several years, and is the device we would recommend to anyone who is unsure about buying one of these devices – since the cost is so small for a fantastic product.
The iTouch Sure has 4 preset treatment programmes (Stress, Urge, Tone and Mixed (a combination of the first three)) clinically tested to improve continence management and provide long-term relief from leaks, as well as improving sexual sensation. The unit defaults to 20 minute sessions but also the option of up to 90 minutes for those with more serious issues such as prolapse.
Despite a small number of comments about build quality in the product reviews, we personally have had no issues and found reliability to be great. That being said, with any of these devices we would recommend being extremely gentle with how you handle the connecting leads to ensure long-term trouble free use. Currently the iTouch Sure is available as a bundle on Amazon, with a free tube Go-Gel alongside disinfecting wipes for convenient device cleaning.
In a nutshell:
- Simple to use without having to read lengthy instructions
- Currently available as part of a great value bundle on Amazon
- An ideal ‘starter’ device that won’t break the bank
- Reviewers are divided on its efficacy for prolapse treatment
Reviewers say:
“Easy to use and set up. Much cheaper than some I was looking into and as I wasn’t sure if it would help, I opted to trial with this one. Been using just over a week and have already noticed some difference with high hopes for the future. I was suffering with both stress and urge and had had enough of feeling restricted and embarrassed when coughing, or trying to run and constantly feeling the need to pee every 5 mins! Less of both already and very thankful I tried this product! “
“I bought this in January 2019 it was very good at strengthening my PF. I was getting great results. however after a while I had problems with the lead so I ordered a new lead and the problem persisted so I ordered a new sensor . it was great for awhile now I’m having problems with the lead again I won’t buy again.”
This device has attracted hundreds of rave reviews for its amazing results – but also a fair few complaints about faults and build quality. We suspect that some users might just be a bit confused about how to operate the device, as it is not as intuitive as it could be.
For a relatively basic device (which is very comparable to the TensCare’s iTouch Sure) we feel that the iStim is not the best value. We also found some elements of the design to be frustrating – particularly the fact that the wire cannot be separated from the probe which makes cleaning more difficult than it should be.
Overall, our advice is (as always) to be buyer aware – these devices are made in Taiwan and travel a long way to reach you. Despite Amazon’s very fair returns policy on faulty products, we feel other devices are a safer bet.
In a nutshell:
- Some users have complained about reliability & quality
- Hundreds more claim that it gives rapid results for prolapse
- Amazon shows many rave review products from new mums
- User interface can be confusing for first time users
Reviewers say:
“After having two kids naturally , I had a prolapsed uterus. I couldn’t sneeze, work out or even go about my day without peeing myself. I was sick of wearing panty liners. I tried MONTHS of physical therapy (yes that is a thing) and was contemplating surgery) After 2 days of using this little device, I had no more leakage! After 4 days, I noticed the prolapse was repairing itself! This is one of the best products ever, It’s a game changer and worth every penny.
TIP… I think when people are commenting that the controller doesn’t work, you need to press and hold the power button for a few seconds…
I hope this helps future purchasers because this product is amazing! I look forward to living my life, not having to change my diaper (panty liner) 😆
Whilst this product has plenty of great features (and also plenty of loyal fans) – to begin with we felt this device might struggle to live up to its premium price point.
By comparison to the iStim, the Kegel Angel has a much smaller range of frequencies – and the probe design does not provide the same level of contact internally as other devices due to its straight shape / active surface area. However, the majority of verified Amazon reviews are extremely positive – and it appears that the lower range of muscle stimulating charge may actually suit women who are experiencing a high degree of urinary incontinence.
Another plus point (particularly for older users) is the larger screen that is easy for most people to read without your glasses on.
In a nutshell:
- Lower end of EMS frequency only
- Choice of 11 automatic programmes
- Users say it treats urinary leaks within just a few uses
- Easy to use and read the display
Reviewers say:
“Having suffered for many years with stress and urge incontinence I took the plunge and purchased the Kegel Angel. After 3 days I noticed an improvement. It’s now been nearly 2 weeks and there is an improvement each day. I will continue to use this as I am very impressed so far. I would highly recommend this product.”
“After only 2 uses it has improved my post partum urine leaks by A LOT. I can totally notice the difference. I had a few questions about the mA to use so emailed the company and received a very quick friendly reply.
If you are unsure about which mA to use, just go slowly. I’ve seen a review saying it hurts and it can hurt if you go too high too quickly. I followed the recommended start of 30mA and that was too much for me. So I went down to 25mA the first time and that was much better. You can feel a tingly sensation when it starts and after a while you can feel your muscles contracting. I find that increasing the mA slowly throughout the workout works for me.
I prefer to do the workout lying down, usually at bedtime while I’m reading a book. Don’t imagine doing it sitting down with the base of the probe sticking out, tried it once and felt a bit uncomfortable. Overall, I went from 25mA to 50mA in only 4/5 uses, and for me that’s amazing and totally recommend!“
“Improves your sex life and not getting to the loo in time”
PRODUCT: Body Clock Sensatone
VERDICT:
Easy, lightweight, compact & great for frequent flyers
OVERALL RATING:
4.5 / 5
A beautifully sleek and discreet device, the Sensatone is brought to you by UK based company Body Clock (established in 1989) who supply a range of tens devices to the NHS, Boots, ASDA, Mothercare and more.
This device has attracted several awards, and offers four settings (Urge, Stress, Mixed and After Care) to promote pelvic floor tone, including recovery from urinary incontinence. The instructions are extremely clear and easy to follow, and we loved the fact that the unit was supplied with batteries included and a small sachet of lubricating gel.
It’s recommended use is very similar to the iTouch sure, but Sensatone recommends 30 minutes (vs 20) of daily use, hence our slightly lower score. We feel this is the ideal device for anyone who has to travel regularly, since it is so compact and lightweight. The downside of this is that some useful features are not available – such as seeing how much time has elapsed or how many minutes you have to go before completing your exercise.
In a nutshell:
- Easy to use and works well for incontinence treatment
- 30 minutes per day use recommended for best results
- Some users have mentioned issues with reliability/quality
- Positive reviews from users with disabilities
Reviewers say:
“I was quite sceptical but leakage had got so bad it was making life difficult. I’ve used this for two and a half weeks the difference is remarkable. No leaks on day to day activities, the only time is when I’ve played tennis and a minor leak on serving. I am hoping by the end of the month I won’t leak at all. I’ve recommended to friends.”
“Life enhancing product – I do not have the level of control I had before I had children, but I no longer worry about needing the loo urgently or having embarrassing accidents. I am writing this review to assure other sufferers that it does help if you persist with it, so it’s worth giving it a go. The only real disadvantage is that the program I use takes 45 minutes and it may be difficult to be still for that length of time. Also, the pulse can be painful if it is not positioned correctly, so does take a bit of practice, despite what the instructions say.“
“As GP was totally useless and gave no advice or support I purchased this item myself. As women get older and go through menopause they can get vaginal atrophy which is never mentioned. This in turn leads to incontinence and other issues. Device is very easy to use and it was nice that two batteries were included. Reading and understanding the instructions is an absolute must. Especially when it comes to the probe placement. It is not meant to be pushed all the way up and the positioning of the metallic contact patches is important. Don’t blast your lady garden at top whack! Gradually build up and there should be no discomfort. Remember it is not a competition. I struggled to make it upstairs without serious accidents but after using for 3 weeks can now make it upstairs. I would say my issue was urge incontinence and this has already had a major positive impact. I wasn’t sure so opted for option C which is urge and stress incontinence, as I thought kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Make sure you use a quality water based lube.. The unit comes with a small sachet only, so you may want to order some.”