Weighted vaginal cones

Weighted vaginal cones are cone-shaped devices of varying size and weight, inserted into the vagina to help exercise the pelvic floor muscles. The vast majority of weighted vaginal cones are made from plastic, and have a 'screw' top' so that different weights (light, very little, metal-washer weights) can be added and removed as required.

The theory and rationale behind cones is that the conical base slips out of the vaginal opening, gradually stretching it as the cone drops lower. As this happens, the pelvic floor contracts and tightens up in response, to try and hold the cone in place. The sensation (sensory) of it falling out triggers a contraction (motor) to keep it in.

The design of the cone is very important - it must be conical; if it is tampax-shaped, there is no progressive widening of the vaginal opening and hence no stimulus to contract the muscles upwards and inwards.
Ladies with prolapse need to exercise extreme caution. Sufferers of moderate prolapse must take care to breathe properly and not to brace the abdominals. Sufferers of severe prolapse should avoid cones entirely, as they add additional drag.

If using cones at home, they should always be 'worn' (used) in standing. Ideally, 15-20 minutes of doing stuff, where you move around and there is a change in the pressure inside the abdomen (intra abdominal pressure). This allows the body to retrain itself in ways that actually matter. Who needs a responsive working pelvic floor when sitting quietly in a corner?

Exercise for the Sake Of It = ½ the value of Exercise for Control and Functional Ability

Cautions and precautions:
Pregnant women should only use cones in consultation with appropriate medical advice.
Cones should not be used for the first 6 weeks post-natally.
Cones should not be used for the first 6 weeks post pelvic surgery, and only with extreme caution in the first 6 weeks post abdominal surgery.
Cones should not be used in the presence of a bladder, vaginal or other pelvic infection.
Cones should not be used if suffering from a candida infection (thrush).
Cones may as well not be used when menstruating, and within 2 hours after sexual intercourse - they slip out...!