What are SmartBalls?
SmartBalls are a women’s health product designed to be worn internally to tone the pelvic floor muscles that have been compromised after pregnancy and childbirth, pelvic operation or over-exertion.
SmartBalls have been developed in consultation with a midwife in Germany ‘Christine Nierson’, who specializes in pelvic floor resolution educationThey are made from medical grade materials, are long lasting, easy to use and hygienic.
Inside a 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?
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?
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 or if you have a prolapsed uterus. The Smartball Uno may also be the preferred option for women to wear during exercise such as yoga or jogging.
SmartBalls Original 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.
SmartBalls Duo 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 Original.
 
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.  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 fantastic results, 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 water based lubricant to all women that use SmartBalls, and this is also important for menopausal women too.
 
I had a hysterectomy a year ago – 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 SmartBall UNO and plenty of water based 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. Initiallywear 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 (SmartBall Uno) 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.