I tried this simple pelvic floor trainer for 4 months – it helps you strengthen and relax muscles without the guesswork

Having three kids, two in the space of a year, it's fair to say my pelvic floor is not what it used to be. Weak muscles down below mean I have suffered from leaks, whether from laughing, sneezing or exercising, for years. It's not only affected my confidence, but it's stopped me from doing things I really enjoyed.

Until recently, I had never considered one of the best pelvic floor trainers. Honestly? I didn't know they existed. So when the chance to try Smile Makers Pelvic Partner came up, I felt apprehensive but intrigued (and hopeful) to see if it could really make a difference.

A Class I certified medical device, I put Smile Maker's Pelvic Partner to the test for four months...

Smile Makers Pelvic Partner review

Specifications

• Material: FDA-approved, phthalate-free, food-grade, vegan-friendly silicone
• Weight: 78g
• Size of insertable part: 1.3 in x 3.1 inches
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Battery: USB rechargeable
• Running time: Several weeks of use
• Warranty: 2 years
• Waterproof/Shower-friendly: Yes
• Storage: Comes with a small bag

Who does the Smile Makers pelvic floor trainer suit?

If, like me, you've downloaded apps for Kegel exercises over the years and never actually done them, or you've been frustrated as to whether you are doing them correctly, the Smile Makers Pelvic Partner is for you. If you struggle to really feel when you are engaging your muscles and/or releasing them, this is the tool for you.

This device is also completely analogue. You don't need an app to use it, unlike some other pelvic floor trainers, so there's also nothing to store your data. I love this. Your progress is measured by use and by the levels as you progress through them. Speaking of levels, these make the device suitable for anyone who wants to strengthen their pelvic floor, but particularly great for those who feel they need a lot of work or are new to Kegel exercises.

It's not something you have to use every day (unless you want to, of course). Smile Makers advise using it three times a week, for two to three sets, with 10 to 15 repetitions. This makes it very easy to fit into my busy weeks.

What is the Smile Makers pelvic floor trainer like to use?

The Smile Makers is super easy to use. The trickiest part is getting it in and comfortable. Even the smallest bit of the best lube makes all the difference. The device is covered in very soft silicone, which is fully waterproof and shower-friendly. It comes with a small storage bag, but nothing to easily identify the contents within.

When you insert the bulky side of the trainer, the 'tail' curls forward and sits comfortably on top of your pubic area. Once in, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and the device gives you instant feedback via vibrations if it can feel it. When you fully release, the vibrations stop. Simple.

It features 360-degree squeeze sensors, so it vibrates when you contract your muscles enough for it to register. It turns off when you completely relax, which helps you learn to release your muscles properly and what a contraction actually feels like.

It has eight sensitivity levels. Depending on how strong your pelvic floor muscles are, you might need to work your way through a few levels to reach one that feels more challenging. Stop there for a while until it becomes easier and you can move on. A simple button on the end of the tail enables you to switch up a level.

Once done, you take it out, wash it with lukewarm water and body-safe soap, then, if possible, let it air-dry fully or use a clean, lint-free towel before storing it back in the bag.

I love the simplicity of this device. Nothing to download or calibrate before use. Just pop it in. A couple of minutes later, you are done. The biggest pull for me is how it helps me recognise when I am engaging my muscles and when I am releasing them. I have been shocked at how long the vibrations last when I thought my body was fully released. It's really helping to train my body to let go.

The levels also make it compelling to use. Not that I'm competitive, you understand, but my need to make it to level eight is stronger than I'm comfortable admitting.

What are noise and charging like with Pelvic Partner?

Charging is super simple with this device. Connect the USB charger when a small light blinks by the button on the tail. It was over three months of use before I had to charge mine, and two hours later it was good to go again.

The vibrations can be heard, no question about it, but they are very quiet. With a bathroom or bedroom door shut, you would be hard-pressed to hear it beyond that. But it isn't completely silent, so not the most discreet to use.

It's worth noting that because you feel them in your body, they may seem louder than they actually are, but I couldn't say for sure.

Is the Smile Makers Pelvic Partner worth it?

I'm reliably informed by our digital health editor that Smile Makers creates some of the best sex toys and vibrators, so perhaps it's no surprise that the tech company has designed such a good pelvic floor trainer. From effectiveness to comfort, I'd highly recommend the Smile Makers Pelvic Partner.

I have been on a few runs in the last few weeks, something I haven't done for years, and have really noticed how little leakage there is now. I am still working my way through the levels, but I think even when I reach level eight, I will keep using it to maintain my muscle strength.

It's affordable at under £60 and so helpful, with instant feedback you can feel within your body, rather than see on an app. It helps you understand your current strength level, but just as importantly, how to properly release those muscles. It's a device that can easily become a habit without it being a faff, and it really works. Take it from a complete beginner.

However, if you'd rather monitor your progress through an app, woman&home's other top pelvic floor trainer recommendations include the Elvie pelvic floor trainer and the Junofem Femfit pelvic floor trainer.