Pelvic Floor Tools & Devices – What Helps, What Doesn’t, and For Who

Pelvic floor tools and devices are increasingly visible online, in clinics, and on social media. While some can be genuinely helpful, others are frequently misunderstood or misused.

This guide is designed to provide a clear, evidence‑informed, safety‑first explanation of pelvic floor tools - including who they may help, who they may not be appropriate for, and why assessment matters.

This page supports BIEN Australia’s broader education on pelvic floor dysfunction and is intended to help people make informed, cautious decisions.

Tools Are Adjuncts, Not Treatments

Pelvic floor tools do not diagnose pelvic floor conditions, and they do not replace individual assessment or treatment.

They may be useful only when matched to the right presentation.

Using the wrong tool - or the right tool at the wrong time - can:

• Worsen symptoms

• Increase pain

• Delay appropriate care

This is why tools should always be considered within the context of pelvic floor function, not symptoms alone.

Why One Tool Does Not Suit Everyone

Pelvic floor dysfunction is not a single condition.

A pelvic floor may be:

• Weak

• Tight or overactive

• Poorly coordinated

• Fatigued

• Unable to fully relax

Many people experience a combination of these.

Because of this, a tool that helps one person may be inappropriate — or harmful — for another.

Pelvic Floor Weights

What pelvic floor weights are commonly used for

Pelvic floor weights are most commonly used to support pelvic floor muscle strengthening in cases of confirmed pelvic floor weakness.

They are often introduced:

• After assessment

• As part of a graded strengthening program

• When coordination and relaxation are already adequate

Who pelvic floor weights may be appropriate for

Pelvic floor weights may be appropriate for people who:

• Have confirmed pelvic floor muscle weakness

• Experience stress urinary incontinence (leakage with cough, sneeze or exercise)

• Can already relax their pelvic floor fully

• Are not experiencing pelvic pain with contraction

Who pelvic floor weights may not be appropriate for

Pelvic floor weights may not be appropriate for people who:

• Have pelvic pain or vaginismus

• Have pelvic floor tightness or overactivity

• Struggle to relax their pelvic floor

• Experience pain with penetration or internal exams

• Have voiding or emptying difficulties

In these cases, strengthening alone may increase symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Wands

What pelvic wands are commonly used for

Pelvic wands are typically used to support pelvic floor muscle relaxation and desensitisation.

They may be used as part of a program addressing:

• Pelvic floor tension or overactivity

• Vaginismus

• Pain with penetration

• Trigger points or guarding

Who pelvic wands may be appropriate for

Pelvic wands may be appropriate for people who:

• Have pelvic floor muscle tightness

• Experience pain with penetration

• Have been assessed and guided by a pelvic health clinician

• Are working on relaxation and down‑training strategies

Important considerations

Pelvic wands are not intended to force stretch or penetration.

They should be used gently, slowly, and with a focus on:

• Breathing

• Nervous system regulation

• Comfort and control

They are not appropriate for everyone, and guidance matters.

Vaginal Dilators

What vaginal dilators are commonly used for

Vaginal dilators are typically used to support graded exposure, desensitisation, and gentle stretching of the vaginal tissues and pelvic floor muscles.

They are most often used as part of a broader management plan for:

• Vaginismus

• Pain with penetration (dyspareunia)

• Pelvic floor muscle overactivity

• Post-surgical or post-radiotherapy tissue stiffness

Dilators are not designed to force penetration or override pain.

Who vaginal dilators may be appropriate for

Vaginal dilators may be appropriate for people who:

• Experience pain or fear with penetration

• Have pelvic floor muscle tightness or guarding

• Are working with a pelvic health clinician

• Are using a gradual, comfort-led approach

Who vaginal dilators may not be appropriate for

Vaginal dilators may not be appropriate for people who:

• Have unexplained pelvic pain or bleeding

• Are in the acute phase of infection or inflammation

• Are using them without education or guidance

Toilet Stools

What toilet stools are commonly used for

Toilet stools are designed to support a more optimal bowel emptying position.

They may help:

• Reduce straining

• Improve ease of bowel movements

• Reduce downward pressure through the pelvic floor

Who toilet stools may be helpful for

Toilet stools may be helpful for people who:

• Experience constipation

• Strain during bowel movements

• Have pelvic floor dysfunction affecting bowel emptying

• Have pelvic organ prolapse symptoms

Toilet stools are generally low‑risk and supportive when used correctly and are of great benefit to everyone who poos (AKA you!) 

Scar Care (Scar & Skin Care Collection)

What scar care products are commonly used for

Scar care products are designed to support skin healing, mobility, and comfort following surgery, injury, or tissue trauma.

In pelvic health, scar care is commonly relevant after:

• Caesarean birth

• Laparoscopic or open abdominal surgery

• Episiotomy or perineal tearing

• Gynaecological procedures

Scar care may involve:

• Gentle massage

• Desensitisation

• Hydration and occlusion

Who scar care products may be appropriate for

Scar care products may be appropriate for people who:

• Have fully healed surgical or perineal scars

• Experience scar tightness, sensitivity or restriction

• Are working on restoring tissue mobility

Scar care should only begin once wounds are fully healed.

BIEN Bidets Attachment

What bidets are commonly used for

Bidets support gentle, hygienic cleansing of the perineal and vulval area using water rather than wiping.

They may be particularly helpful:

• Postpartum

• Post-surgery

• During flare-ups of pain, irritation or haemorrhoids

• When wiping is uncomfortable or aggravating symptoms

Who bidets may be helpful for

Bidets may be helpful for people who:

• Experience perineal pain or sensitivity

• Are recovering from childbirth or surgery

• Have pelvic floor dysfunction affecting bowel emptying

Bidets are supportive tools and do not treat pelvic floor dysfunction directly.

Why Assessment Matters

Assessment helps determine:

• Whether strength, relaxation or coordination is the priority

• Which tools, if any, are appropriate

• How tools should be introduced safely

Without assessment, tools are often used based on symptoms alone - which is where problems arise.

Disclaimer: Pelvic health is highly individual. This information is general in nature and does not replace individual assessment or medical advice. Not all tools or exercises are appropriate for everyone.