Feminine © lynette sheppard
Like a fitbit for your vagina – one of my favorite laugh-out-loud lines from the PeriCoach video. Our friends down under have innovated just that. And it is now available in the US. See more below – be forewarned, this is a funny treatment of a not so funny problem.
It is estimated that as many as 1 in 3 women suffer urinary leakage. Many women start having problems during and post menopause. Laughing, sneezing, exercising and more normal daily activities can result in embarrassing and uncomfortable leakage.
Kegel strengthening exercises have long been recommended to strengthen the vaginal and urinary muscles as a way of combatting this problem. Alas, it seems that many women just aren’t doing them correctly. (One of our own Venuses told us that she’d been performing them for years only to find out she’d been mistaken as to how to effectively do them. She’s a smart, savvy woman, but that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier.
The PeriCoach is a device recently approved by the FDA that can help you do the exercises most effectively. It tracks your progress and gives feedback as you “work out.”
Inserted into your vagina, the device monitors strength and effectiveness of muscle contractions via biosensors. Data is sent via Bluetooth to your smartphone so you (and your health care practitioner) can evaluate how you’re doing. Additionally, the PeriCoach app sends exercise reminders.Now, there is a great use for technology!)
Pericoach is available only with a prescription from a physician, nurse, or physical therapist. Alas, insurance thus far does not cover it. Price is approximately $299.
No more padded underwear or “wet spots”. No more avoidance of sneezing or laughing. We do not have to accept leakage as just a “normal” part of aging.
If you suffer from bladder leakage, you may want to ask your trusted health care practitioner to prescribe it for you. Speaking as a nurse, I have to say that this sounds terrific. If you do try it, please let us know how it works for you. Menopause Goddess Blog is all about women sharing wisdom and real experience. Sharing what works and what doesn’t helps all of us.