The Pelvic Exerciser is a small, self-contained device, which has been specially designed to help people strengthen their pelvic floor muscles.

The Pelvic Exerciser consists of a soft outer covering, which is made from platinum cured medical grade silicone rubber and an inside that is a small electro-mechanical device, consisting of a medical grade polycarbonate plastic chassis, which holds a miniature vibration motor, a micro-switch and a coin-cell battery.

Pelvic floor exercise provides great benefits for both women and men, the major ones being the reduction or avoidance of continence problems, particularly in later life, and the improvement or maintenance of sexual function.

The Pelvic Exerciser has been developed because many women, and also some men, find it difficult to identify their pelvic floor muscles and even when they have done so most people find exercising them to be a tedious process and so it is often neglected. The Pelvic Exerciser provides a fun and effective way to do more and better pelvic floor exercises.

More details of the benefits of pelvic floor fitness, exercise regimes and links to many sources of information can be found on www.pelvicfloorexercise.com.au

How does it work? The internal part of the PFD has a micro-switch which is operated by a lever. When the lever is pressed the switch connects the battery to the vibration motor and the whole device vibrates.

To use the PFD for pelvic floor exercise the chassis is slid into the cover and the rounded end of the PFD is then inserted into the vagina, leaving the battery end protruding outside the body. The PFD does not have any wires, tubes or other attachments, it functions very discreetly and silently just as it is, so clothing can be replaced and exercising conducted while going about other daily tasks.

At first the PFD should be inserted so that the switch lever (indicated by the arrows on the silicone cover) is directed towards the front of your body. It will be easier to learn how to make it operate that way because the switch will be pressed against the prominent part of your pubic bone.

The pelvic floor muscles (correctly called the pubococcygeus muscles - or PC muscles) are the muscles that you use when you want to stop urinating mid-stream. To exercise those muscles they need to be clenched and relaxed repeatedly using a disciplined regime which is designed to progressively improve their strength.

Unless you are quite sure that you can identify your PC muscles it is advisable to consult a specialist physiotherapist or your GP. Your therapist will provide you with a suitable exercise programme or typical exercises can be found at http://www.pelvicfloorexercise.com.au/pelvicfloor.htm

When you clench the correct muscles they will squeeze the central part of the PFD where the switch is and that will make the PFD vibrate. The fact that you have made the device vibrate assures you that you have used the correct muscles because clenching the incorrect muscles will not usually activate the device.

Once you have the device vibrating you need to hold your PC muscles clenched for the periods of time detailed in your exercise regime. The eventual aim is to be able to successfully complete 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions of clenches each about 6 to 8 or even 10 seconds long, followed by 8 to 12 quick clenches. The important factor is to fully relax the muscles between each clench. The exercises should be conducted daily until the desired muscle tone has been achieved and then they should be conducted 2-3 times weekly to maintain that fitness.

Care and maintenance - The PFD cover is made from medical grade silicone rubber because it is hypoallergenic, non-toxic and it is extremely durable. Before initial use and after each use the cover should be cleaned. Because it is not at all porous silicone is very easy to clean. Silicone will wash microscopically clean with water alone but it is recommended to disinfect it as well. Any of the following methods is perfectly effective, allow it to dry before replacing the chassis -

• Wash with water and anti-bacterial soap or handwash - which is all that is required in most cases, and it only takes a minute.
• Silicone can be boiled - It will resist temperatures up to 350°C!
• You can clean it with alcohol - surgical spirit or methylated spirit (ethanol, de-natured alcohol).
• Wash it in hot water with 10% bleach.
• Some people suggest putting it in the dishwasher...we suggest you avoid helpers unloading it!

If it becomes necessary to clean the chassis and components first remove the battery and then wipe it with a damp cloth or with alcohol. Do not immerse it in water. Allow to dry before use.

Removing the cover and battery is very simple. First gently stretch the battery end of the cover over the battery holder then grip hold of the chassis by the 'ears' between thumb and forefinger and pull the chassis out of the cover. The battery simply pulls out of its holder. The battery will last approximately 3hrs of continual running which will take weeks or months of exercising, replace it when the vibration is noticeably weaker. Always use the 'ears' to remove and replace the chassis, do not pull on the battery holder or the wiring may be damaged.

Replace the chassis with the switch lever to the top as indicated by the arrows below. The motor will last longer if the battery is put in the right way around as shown by the plus and minus, the flat side of the battery is plus.