Pelvic floor trainers are now widely used in rehabilitation to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, treat urinary leaks, and improve quality of life. So, can a smart pelvic floor trainer reduce urinary leaks? Yes, clinical evidence and thousands of user testimonials show that targeted pelvic floor training with biofeedback delivers fast and lasting results.
Among these devices, the Emy Trainer pelvic floor trainer, a connected medical device developed by Fizimed, is one of the most studied. Its effectiveness relies on biofeedback, allowing real-time visualization of the muscle contraction of the pelvic floor. A prospective study conducted at Strasbourg University Hospitals on this trainer reports a quality of life improvement in 98% of incontinent patients after 3 months. This article explains why and how the Emy trainer works, who it is suitable for, and how to use it effectively at home.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Definition and Types of Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine. The main types are:
- Stress incontinence: leaks during exertion, coughing, laughing, or sports;
- Urge incontinence: sudden, urgent need with loss of control;
- Mixed incontinence: a combination of both.
The pelvic floor trainer is especially recommended for stress urinary incontinence, where targeted strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles is the primary strategy.
Prevalence and Impact on Quality of Life
In France and across Europe, 1 in 3 women experience pelvic floor disorders at some point in their lives, often after pregnancy, childbirth, or with age approaching menopause. The consequences are physical, social, and psychological: reduced sports activity, social anxiety, and disrupted sleep. Improving urinary control significantly enhances quality of life and self-confidence.
Link Between Pelvic Floor and Urinary Leaks
The pelvic floor supports the bladder and urethra. When these muscles weaken, abdominal pressure is no longer compensated for, leading to leaks. Targeted strengthening of the levator ani and pelvic muscles improves urethral closure and reduces episodes of stress incontinence.
Is a pelvic floor trainer effective against urinary leaks?
Yes. Pelvic floor trainers — whether vaginal or anal — are commonly used by professionals such as specialized physiotherapists, midwife or the primary care physician, for their effectiveness in:
- stress urinary incontinence;
- overactive bladder;
- certain types of fecal incontinence;
- pelvic floor muscle weakness;
- postpartum recovery after vaginal delivery;
- muscle laxity of the pelvic region.
The French National Authority for Health (HAS) classifies pelvic floor training as a first-line treatment for female urinary leakage and low-grade pelvic organ prolapse.
What are the pelvic floor training methods?
There are several training methods, which can be complementary or alternative:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Manual training | Muscle work guided by a physiotherapist or midwife through vaginal palpation. |
| Pelvic floor trainer | Self-guided training with or without biofeedback. |
| Pelvic floor electrostimulation | Can be combined with certain trainers or performed using a medical electrostimulator. |
| Biofeedback | Allows you to see contractions in real time. |
| Kegel exercises | Exercises without devices, effective but often difficult to perform correctly. |
| Posterior tibial nerve stimulation | A complementary technique for certain urinary disorders. |
Devices like Emy offer a comprehensive approach: personalized programs, adaptive mini-games, progress tracking, and easy integration into your daily routine.
What are the benefits of a pelvic floor trainer?
The pelvic floor trainer is a device designed to:
- strengthen the pelvic floor muscles;
- reduce urinary and fecal leakage;
- improve sexual function;
- restore bladder control;
- prevent muscle weakening caused by pregnancy, menopause, or certain surgeries;
- speed up recovery after vaginal childbirth;
- improve circulation in the pelvic floor;
- make progress visible through biofeedback.
Pelvic floor training with a trainer is a non-invasive treatment, simple and quick to incorporate into your daily routine.
Which pelvic floor trainer is the most effective against urinary incontinence?
Not all pelvic floor trainers offer the same effectiveness. For example, electrostimulation devices can help you become aware of and locate your pelvic muscles through electrical impulses. However, they are not the most effective devices for achieving long-lasting results.
To encourage muscle movement and learning every day, biofeedback pelvic floor trainers are more suitable tools. They are used and prescribed by specialist practitioners because they provide immediate visual feedback and help strengthen pelvic floor muscles more effectively than passive work with an electrostimulator.
Pelvic Floor Trainer: Introducing the Emy Trainer Device
Features and Technology
Emy Trainer is an intravaginal trainer connected to a mobile app. Over 5,000 healthcare professionals use it in their practice to measure, guide, and motivate patients. Its main strengths include:
- a patented 360° biofeedback technology for ultra-sensitive detection of pelvic floor contractions;
- a secure Bluetooth connection with an intuitive app;
- a shape adapted to all anatomies and European manufacturing.
Exercises Based on the PERFECT Scheme
The exercises offered are based on the PERFECT Scheme, a medically recognized protocol widely used in clinics for pelvic floor training. The app provides:
- series of quick or sustained contractions interspersed with relaxation;
- assessment of strength, endurance, and repetition;
- automatic difficulty adjustment according to progress.
The 32+ mini-games turn exercises into short and engaging training sessions, which improves patient adherence.
Effectiveness of the Emy Trainer pelvic floor trainer against urinary leakage
Clinical Data and Studies scientists
The Emy Trainer pelvic floor trainer was the subject of a prospective, single-center, non-comparative study. 55 participants (median age 41) were evaluated after 3 months of self-training with 5 weekly sessions of 10 minutes each. The results were as follows:
- A 98% improvement in quality of life after 3 months among respondents (Contilife questionnaire).
- 87% reported a reduction in the frequency and severity of their urinary symptoms after 3 months (clinical ICIQ-SF questionnaire).
- 91% of participants observed a significant improvement in their urinary symptoms after 3 months (PGI questionnaire).
In conclusion, regular training with Emy Trainer significantly improves quality of life for patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence.
Learn more about the Emy device
The main strengths of the Emy device highlighted by users are:
- ease of use, no pain, and a discreet design;
- the motivating effect of the games and better adherence compared to exercises alone with a midwife;
- visible progress within the app;
- responsive customer service, tailored support and advice, as well as prompt after-sales service if needed.
Patient Testimonials
User feedback complements the clinical data. Here are some examples showing a strong trend towards a quick and lasting improvement when the protocol is followed.
Since I started using Emy, I feel like I’m living again! A few months ago, I couldn’t contract my pelvic floor, and today I’ve regained my muscle tone. Just 5 minutes a day is enough!
Cécile, 35, mum of 2 childrenAt first, I noticed I didn’t have to change my panty liners several times a day anymore. Today, I’d say my leaks have been reduced by five times. Considering the cost of sanitary pads, that’s an incredible saving.
Marie-Pierre, 48, suffering from stress urinary incontinenceIncredible results in just 4 days! I’m extremely satisfied and don’t regret this investment at all.
Agathe, 39, athlete with urinary leaksI first discovered the free app, which I already found very good, and I did my exercises every day or every other day. Then, when I learned there was a pelvic floor trainer device, I didn’t hesitate long before buying it! Thanks to the app and the device, I was able to avoid a potentially major surgery.
Eve, 62, living with prolapseThe device delivers on its promises. It works very well and the app is simple. After just a few sessions, I already felt the effects on my pelvic floor! No more leaks… I highly recommend it.
Christine, 66, mum of 3 childrenThanks to Emy, I sneeze without stress. I do my exercises every day. Sometimes I miss a session. Emy has changed my life! ❤️
Mélodie, 32, postpartum mum
How to use a pelvic floor trainer?
Using it at home is simple. Here is the general user guide applicable to most pelvic floor trainers, including the Emy device:
Steps for use
1️⃣ Prior medical consultation
Before using a pelvic floor trainer, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. Have your pelvic floor assessed through a vaginal (or anal) examination by a healthcare professional.
2️⃣ Insertion
- Use a suitable lubricant.
- Comfortably insert the pelvic floor trainer vaginally (or anally) into the targeted area.
3️⃣ Connect to the mobile app (for smart pelvic floor trainers)
- Access your personalized program,
- See your contractions in real time.
4️⃣ Typical training session
- 10 minutes per session
- 5 sessions per week
- Alternating: quick contractions, long contractions, endurance (the PERFECT Scheme).
5️⃣ Maintaining your pelvic floor
Once results are achieved, continue with 1 to 2 sessions per week to maintain your progress.
Recommended training protocols
The medical device Emy is very comprehensive and allows for targeted and tailored pelvic floor training for each user:
- Initial calibration through the app to assess your level.
- Typical session: 10 minutes, 5 times a week for 3 months, as in the clinical study.
- Progression: alternate quick contractions, long contractions, and endurance sets following the PERFECT Scheme (specifically used by the Emy device – other smart pelvic floor trainers do not rely on therapeutic protocols).
- Perseverance: results often visible from 3 weeks, with consolidation over several months.
The Emy app also adjusts exercise difficulty for each individual and offers 8 personalized programs based on goals – incontinence, postpartum, prevention... It’s the only pelvic floor trainer offering this level of personalization.
Monitoring and adjustments via the app
The Emy app provides:
- real-time biofeedback and progress charts of progression.
- automatic adjustment of exercises based on your performance.
- over 32 mini-games with audio cues to guide you and make 10 minutes enjoyable.
- more than 300 videos, podcasts, and articles dedicated to women's health
This complete solution also includes access to a personal coach—Coach Léa—and the option to consult with a specialized physiotherapist during a free session to tailor your pelvic floor recovery program if needed.
Advantages and limitations of pelvic floor trainers
Advantages of the Emy smart pelvic floor trainer compared to other methods
| Criteria | Exercises without a device | Emy Trainer (Fizimed) |
|---|---|---|
| biofeedback | no | yes, patented 360° technology |
| personalization | limited | 8 programs with automatic adjustment |
| adherence | low | high, with gamification |
| clinical data | variable | clinical trial published in 2022 |
| professional support | rare | Coach Léa + physiotherapist option |
Discover all the benefits of a smart pelvic floor trainer.
Limitations and usage recommendations
It’s important to remember that a pelvic floor trainer is not a magic solution suitable for every situation. Here are some limitations to be aware of:
- Does not replace full medical care for severe prolapse or complex mixed incontinence.
- Requires regular use and personal commitment.
- Smart biofeedback devices are not reimbursed by the French Health Insurance.
Who should avoid using a pelvic floor trainer?
The pelvic floor trainer is generally well tolerated but does have some contraindications:
- Current vaginal or urinary infection;
- Acute pelvic pain;
- Severe prolapse;
- Pregnancy;
- Immediate postpartum period (wait 6 to 8 weeks);
- Vaginal injuries or recent surgeries;
- Devices or abnormalities that make insertion painful.
Side effects are also possible: discomfort, mild irritation, incorrect insertion, or pain if muscles are not yet ready.
If in doubt: consult a healthcare professional.
Who can prescribe a pelvic floor trainer?
A prescription for a pelvic floor trainer to treat urinary leakage can be made by:
- a general practitioner;
- a gynecologist;
- a midwife;
- a urologist ;
- a specialized physiotherapist.
Even though some pelvic floor trainers are available over-the-counter, it is still strongly recommended to consult a professional to receive a tailored diagnosis, especially when complex symptoms are present.
Conclusion: Is the pelvic floor trainer a good solution for urinary leakage?
Yes, certain pelvic floor trainers like the Emy Trainer can be an effective solution. Not all models are equal; only the effectiveness of the Emy Trainer pelvic floor trainer is supported by clinical studies, recommended by over 5,000 healthcare professionals, and recognized by health authorities for the treatment of urinary incontinence. It helps you to:
- retrain your pelvic floor muscles;
- strengthen muscles long-term;
- reduce urinary leakage;
- regain a better quality of life.
For the best results, use should be regular.
FAQs
Is a pelvic floor trainer suitable after childbirth?
Yes, the Emy Trainer, for example, is perfectly suited for postpartum pelvic floor recovery to help rebuild muscle strength. Wait for your healthcare professional’s approval, usually after the postnatal check-up. However, an electrostimulation pelvic floor trainer is generally not recommended if there is confirmed nerve damage, as the lack of sensation and muscle response could delay a more thorough diagnostic assessment or the adoption of more appropriate rehabilitation techniques.
How long before seeing results?
Users typically report progress within 3 weeks. Moreover, clinical studies show lasting improvements at 3 months. Consistency is key.
Does the pelvic floor trainer replace physiotherapy?
No, it complements pelvic floor training. For complex cases, combining the trainer with physiotherapy sessions often delivers the best outcomes. The Emy device offers personalized protocols overseen by the therapist, along with the option to communicate with a physiotherapist.
Is the Emy app secure and easy to use?
Yes, the app features smart calibration, over 32 adaptive mini-games, 8 personalized programs, and clear progress tracking. User feedback highlights its simplicity and engaging experience. Download the free app
Source
- Incontinence. 7th Edition, Cardozo L, Rovner E, Wagg A, Wein A, Abrams P, 2023, International Continence Society (ICI-ICS), Bristol UK.
- Incontinence urinaire de la femme - Rééducation : bilans et techniques, Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), Février 2000, Recommandation de Bonne Pratique, Agence Nationale d'Accréditation et d'Évaluation en Santé (ANAES).
- The development of an International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) for use in primary care, Avery K, Donovan J, Peters T, Shaw C, Gotoh M, Abrams P, September 2004, British Journal of Urology International 94(3):324-330.
- Validation d’un questionnaire d’auto-évaluation des troubles urinaires et ano-rectaux (Contilife), Aljaber V, Pèriès F, Lezcano M. G. A., Benali S. L. A., Labat C, Hajjaj N. A. H., Khannoussi A. G. O., June 2021, Pelvi-périnéologie 16(2):73-81.
- Assessment of clinical change in psychopharmacology: application of the visual analog scale and the patient global impression of change scale, Guy W, Bonato R (Eds), Mars 1996, Pharmacopsychiatry 29(2):57-63.
- Rééducation dans le cadre du post-partum, Agence Nationale d'Accréditation et d'Évaluation en Santé (ANAES) / Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), Décembre 2002, Recommandation de Bonne Pratique.
