What are SmartBalls?
SmartBalls are a women’s health product designed to be worn vaginally, to tone pelvic floor muscles that have been compromised after pregnancy and childbirth, pelvic operation, over-exertion and menopause and aging.
SmartBalls have been developed in consultation with a midwife in Germany called Christine Nierson, who specialises in pelvic floor education. They are made from medical grade silicone, are long lasting, easy to use and hygienic.
Inside the SmartBall, whether it is a single or double set, is a weighted ball. It is the weight of the balls resting on the PC (Pubococcygeus) muscles from the inside that stimulates the muscles to spontaneously contract, giving a woman an inner work out. Where exactly are my PC muscles?
Where are my PC muscles exactly?
The PC (Pubococcygeous) muscle is commonly referred to as your pelvic floor muscles. The PC muscle is attached to the pubic bone in the front of your body and coccyx (tail bone at the back. This muscle acts like a hammock forming the floor of the pelvic cavity and supporting the pelvic organs including your uterus and bladder. The PC muscles extend in a figure 8 around the vaginal and anal openings. You use your PC muscle to control urine flow and it aids urinary control. It is utilised during childbirth and contracts during orgasm.Which SmartBall is right for me?are suitable for women who have compromised P.C. muscles. They are a good starting point for getting your muscles in shape. We also recommend these for women who have recently given birth or if you have a prolapsed uterus. The may also be the preferred option for women to wear during exercise such as yoga or jogging.are the ideal weight for pelvic floor toning and many women will only use these over the years. If you have reasonable pelvic floor tone you can start your inner workout with the Smartballs original. If you started with the Uno Balls these are the next step in getting your P.C. muscles in peak shape.are for the woman who already has good pelvic floor tone and is up for the challenge of these heavier balls, we would recommend these for women who do regular pilates or Yoga or who have already got in shape with the SmartBalls Uno.
Which SmartBall is right for me?
SmartBalls Uno are suitable for women who have compromised P.C. muscles. They are a good starting point for getting your muscles in shape. We also recommend these for women who have recently given birth, if you have a prolapsed uterus, are feeling the effects of bladder weakness from menopause or have problems as a result of heavy lifting or straining. The Smartball Uno may also be the preferred option for women to wear during exercise such as yoga or jogging.
By following the easy step by step programme you will gain pelvic floor strength and reduce bladder weakness issues as well as feel the sexual benefits of improved pelvic floor tone.
We recommend all women start with the SmartBalls Uno it is easier to use and have success with. The Uno will strengthen and train your muscles to and prepare them for the SmartBalls Duo - designed for long term prevention and correction of bladder weakness. 42grams.
SmartBalls Duo are the progression from SmartBalls Uno and are double the weight, once you have mastered the SmartBalls Uno and completed a minimum of 6-8 weeks of daily use (5-10 hours per day), you will be ready for SmartBalls Duo. Regular use of the Duo will ensure your P.C. muscles are strong to carry you through the life challenges a woman's pelvic floors face. 85grams.
SmartBalls Uno & Duo plus lubricant are available in the SmartBalls Power Pack.
How should I clean my SmartBalls?
SmartBalls are made from medical grade materials, are completely sealed, hygienic and easy to clean. Washing in a mild soap and hot water is all that is required. DO NOT use any chemicals to clean your balls. At most use a solution of water and white vinegar for additional cleaning and rinse the vinegar off thoroughly. Smartballs should last you for several years.
Should I do any special exercises when I’m wearing SmartBalls?
Smartballs are worn when you are upright, sitting, standing, walking and exercising are all fine as the balls rest upon the PC muscle. If you are in a horizontal position, the balls will not rest on the muscles and therefore be ineffective. They are not designed as a sex toy nor are they likely to give a woman an orgasm during use (although they will make your orgasms stronger as the muscles become stronger).
What is a ‘pelvic floor’ and how is it connected to me wetting my pants?
The pelvic floor muscles are located above and around the vaginal opening, supporting and connected to the uterus. They contract when we orgasm, stop urine mid-stream, and they stretch when we give birth. (Diagram?) When the pelvic floor is weak, incontinence can occur – ranging from weak to severe because the muscles can no longer ‘hold’ the urine in the bladder and control the flow of urine. Increased pressure on the bladder can cause this loss of control, such as laughing, sneezing, jumping on a trampoline, running, jumping or coughing. These activities can all cause a sudden and embarrassing leak of urine.
What about SmartBalls and pregnancy?
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body releases hormones that allow the pelvic floor muscles to relax. During this time women can be prone to bladder weakness. Ideally you will use SmartBalls before getting pregnant with your first child to ensure you start off with good muscle tone.This will set you up to reduce the risk of incontinence during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Smartballs are NOT recommended for use during pregnancy. Get your pelvic floor muscles in shape prior to becoming pregnant as good P.C. muscles before a natural birth encourages quicker recovery of the muscles, improves general vaginal health and can help in greater control when pushing.
If you've recently given birth but didn't get around to exercising your P.C. muscles with SmartBalls before pregnancy, that's okay. The next most optimum time is from 6 weeks after giving birth (provided you have no lasting complications from the delivery). Ask your midwife or obstetrician / gynecologist for the green light if you feel unsure.
If you are planning on having more children it is crucial for early prevention of incontinence as P.C. muscle stretching can be more pronounced with each successive child.
If you had one or more children and your P.C. muscles never recovered, SmartBalls can still offer you a good chance of recovering pelvic floor strength! Even if you had your children decades ago, SmartBalls can help. Good P.C. muscles can support the vaginal walls and help to prevent a prolapsed uterus.
I’m menopausal and my incontinence seems to be getting worse – can I use SmartBalls?
Yes, during menopause, a woman's body produced the same hormones as during pregnancy, and the pelvic floor muscles soften often leading to incontinence. Again it is ideal to get your PC muscles in good shape prior to menopause, but you can still get great results with SmartBalls. Even if you feel that things will ‘never be the same again’ and are in the midst of the menopausal changes that happen to a women’s body. We recommend using a quality lubricant to all women using SmartBalls, lubricant is especially important for menopausal women.
I've had a hysterectomy – can I still use SmartBalls?
Yes, women who have had a hysterectomy can successfully use Smartballs as your pelvic floor muscles will most likely be intact, so SmartBalls will be of great benefit. We recommend talking to your gynecologist or GP prior to using SmartBalls if you have any concerns or reservations specific to your hysterectomy.
I have a prolapsed uterus – can I use SmartBalls?
Yes, but many women who have had a prolapsed uterus may only find it possible to insert one ball, so we recommend using the Uno and plenty of lubricant. You will get benefit from using this and be able to gauge for yourself if you will be able to accommodate the SmartBall Original (2 balls). Though doing so may not be necessary as the key to SmartBalls effectiveness is regular use rather than short stints with the heavier models.
How often should I use my SmartBalls?
The key to a successful recovery of pelvic floor strength and prevention of incontinence is the regular use of the SmartBalls. Initially wear your Smartballs around home to ensure you feel comfortable and confident to wear the Smartballs all day. Your aim is every day use for one to two months, (for 6-8 hours per day), then ongoing maintenance one day a fortnight to keep the muscles in shape. If you lapse, just do another concentrated burst and the P.C's will tone up. Of course we are all individuals and so the time needed for toning your PC muscles may vary.
Some women find that through jogging or other exercise they get some natural vibration from the balls and the more you move with the Smartballs inserted, the more the muscles will work. However many of us are more sedentary and simply wearing the Smartballs will give you that inner workout. Do not be concerned if you do not really feel the balls, most women have little sensation above the vaginal opening. Equally, if you initially feel internal pressure from the balls, like a weight bearing down, this will ease as your muscle strength improves.
I am worried the Smartballs are going to fall out - will they?
If you have recently given birth (SmartBalls are safe to use any time for 6 weeks after childbirth) or have very compromised pelvic floor muscles, you may initially find the SmartBalls hard to keep in. Make sure you start off with the single ball and insert as high as possible vaginally. Focus on contracting you PC muscles around the ball. You may feel a slight bearing down sensation. If the SmartBall Uno moves down to your vaginal opening it may pop out if you muscles contract suddenly such as with laughing or sneezing. Simply reinsert and try again. It will not take long before your PC muscles strengthen enough to hold the SmartBall Uno in easily.
I've got an IUD - can I use SmartBalls?
An IUD sits above the cervix in the uterus. SmartBalls sit below the cervix in the vagina therefore you are fine to use SmartBalls if you have an IUD.
I have an anterverted uterus, what does this mean?
This term refers to the direction the top of the uterus is pointing (or sitting). An anteverted uterus is a uterus that tilts slightly forward. This is a normal and the most common position for the uterus.
Approximately 20 percent of women have a retroverted or backward-tilting uterus and approximately 20 percent have a mid-position uterus - not tilting forward or backward. The remainder of women have an anteverted uterus, the top of the uterus is pointing forward towards the front of your stomach. This has no negative impact on reproductive or sexual function for women, or using SmartBalls or NatraTone.
I have just had my second child (6+ weeks ago) and have not had the same level of pelvic floor strength since my first pregnancy (although this time around I've been a lot more proactive / doing a lot more pelvic floor exercises and am still seeing a gradual improvement; although its very slow and slowing down. I have occasional leakage (when I exercise) but not generally when I sneeze, cough or laugh. Is there a way I can figure out which product might suit me best?
We recommend the SmartBalls Power Pack, as you now doubt have a busy life with 2 children, they are easy to use and can be incorporated into your daily activities. You start with the SmartBalls Uno - provided everything is nicely healed after childbirth, and now is the perfect time.
After 8 weeks of using the Uno we recommend moving on to the SB Duo which will do the ongoing work of correcting and then preventing further bladder weakness. There are clear step by step instructions that come with your SmartBalls.
I was just wondering if you are able to wear this product during pregnancy? I am interested in purchasing some but will be trying for my 3rd pregnancy in the next couple of months.
SmartBalls are recommended for use before and after pregnancy. All manufacturers are cautious about women using products during pregnancy and as the SmartBalls are worn for long periods of time, they do not like to suggest this option for the SmartBalls.
If you do decide to get SmartBalls we recommend 6 weeks after giving birth, once everything has healed and any time before pregnancy.
The Natratone is worn only for short periods whilst doing the exercises and is fine to use at any time and is the only product we know of that is suitable for use during pregnancy.
We recommend that you wait at least 6 weeks until using SmartBalls, and once all bleeding and bruising has healed and you have had the all clear from your midwife or health practitioner. While the SmartBalls are made from medical grade materials and easy to keep clean, it is important not to do anything to cause an increase in the risk of infection, until you are completely healed.
We recommend using a hypoallergenic lubricant such as Probe or Yes lubricant with your SmartBalls for greater comfort.
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