As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to focus on self-care—and if pelvic health is on your mind, you’ve likely seen an increasing number of products claiming to solve everything from pelvic pain to postpartum recovery. But not all pelvic floor tools are created equal. Some are game changers, while others are just holiday gimmicks.
This Christmas, let’s focus on what really works. Here’s my guide to what’s worth investing in for your health and what’s better left behind.
No Sponsored Products Here
Please note that none of the products mentioned in this guide are sponsored or part of any paid endorsement. The recommendations come solely from my professional experience as a pelvic floor physical therapist and are chosen for their proven benefits, or they are products that I enjoy and recommend to patients and friends.
The Importance of Working with a Qualified Pelvic Therapist
Before diving into many of these products, it’s important to remember that pelvic health isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and not every tool is right for everyone. While some products can be used safely on your own, it’s always best to consult a qualified pelvic health therapist first, especially if you’re dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, or postpartum recovery.
Here’s why working with a professional is crucial:
- Individualized Assessment: Pelvic floor issues vary—some people need to strengthen their muscles, while others need to release tension. A pelvic health therapist can assess whether your pelvic floor is too tight, weak, or imbalanced. Using the wrong tool or technique without understanding your specific condition could actually worsen symptoms.
- Beyond Kegels: While Kegels are often recommended for pelvic health, they are not the solution for everyone. For some people, especially those with tight pelvic floor muscles, Kegels can make things worse by adding more tension. A therapist can guide you through exercises that are more appropriate for your needs, focusing on relaxation, breathwork, or specific strengthening techniques that address your unique condition.
- Proper Guidance on Pelvic Floor Tools: Tools like Kegel weights, dilators, or pelvic floor trainers can be helpful, but only when used correctly. A pelvic health therapist can show you how to use these tools safely and ensure that you’re getting the most benefit from them without causing harm.
- Holistic Approach: Pelvic health is about more than just the pelvic floor—it includes the hips, lower back, core, and even how you breathe. A therapist will assess the entire picture and create a plan that addresses all aspects of your pelvic health, not just the symptoms. If you’re experiencing any discomfort or uncertainty, booking an appointment with a pelvic health therapist is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this holiday season. They can ensure that the products you choose are right for you and that you’re using them safely and effectively.
What to Buy: Products That Are Actually Worth It
Dame’s Pillo
Using a pillow like this by Dame (or shape your own) can lift the hips and pelvis during penetrative sex or internal stimulation by improving the biomechanics, allowing your glutes and other muscles to relax, and help tools or your partner better stimulate areas where nerve endings are.
Massage Candle
Evoke touch, partnership, intimacy and foreplay in a non-toxic way with this candle by maude.
Dame’s External Wand Vibrator
Possibly the best external vibrator on the market, this can double time as a massage tool, help vibration for clogged milk ducts for lactating parents, and be used for partner play on erogenous zones.
Postpartum Recovery Underwear (or for endometriosis and more)
Great for postpartum c-section or vaginal birth recovery, as well as for folks with endometriosis or adenomyosis, period cramps, or pelvic pain. One of my faves! I can recommend Nyssa and mother mother.
Ohnut Depth-Limiting Rings
Take control of your experience with customizable depth! These four stretchy, stackable rings let you adjust penetration comfortably while keeping the sensation alive for both of you.
Supportive Pelvic Cushions
If you spend long hours sitting—whether at work or during holiday gatherings—a supportive cushion designed for pelvic health can relieve pressure and promote proper posture. This is particularly useful for anyone dealing with pelvic pain, tailbone discomfort, or sitting-related issues.
Memory foam or gel cushions like the Purple Seat Cushion offer excellent ergonomic support for your pelvis and spine, providing comfort during extended periods of sitting.
High-Quality, Body-Safe Lubricants
A good lubricant can make a huge difference in both comfort and pleasure, especially if you’re using pelvic health tools or simply looking to make intimacy more enjoyable. A body-safe lubricant reduces friction and prevents irritation.
Two of my favorites are Maude’s Shine and UberLube. Maude’s Shine is a great water-based option, while UberLube is silicone-based and works wonderfully, just remember not to use it with silicone toys or massagers. Want to learn more about lubricants? Stay tuned for our future newsletter!
Hypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun
For those moments when your muscles are begging for deeper pressure, the Hypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun can be a powerful tool for muscle relief. It’s a compact, portable device that helps reduce muscle tension and soreness in areas that need extra care—perfect after long holiday shopping trips or intense workouts.
These Must-read Books
If you’re preparing for pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum recovery, my book Pelvic Prep School, is the perfect gift for yourself. This highly curated guide is packed with pelvic health information, exercises, and stretches designed to help you embrace your inner pelvic power and prepare for a strong, healthy pregnancy and recovery.
The book covers how the pelvis functions during pregnancy, why reporting pelvic pain is critical, and why Kegels alone aren’t enough to address many pelvic floor concerns. I also walk you through effective strategies to reduce the risk of tearing during delivery.
Other books that need to be part of everyone’s collection:
- The Losses We Keep by Jami Crist
- Come as You Are by Emily Nagowski
- The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter
- Unsubscribed by Dr. Sara Nett
What NOT to Buy: Gimmicks to Avoid This Holiday Season
1. Pelvic Wands with Lights or Vibrating Functions
- Why It’s a Gimmick: While lights and many different vibrating features might seem like they add extra functionality, they’re more distracting than beneficial and pretty much useless. The goal of a pelvic wand is to release muscle tension, and those extra features don’t contribute to that process.
- What to Avoid: While deep, low vibration can be helpful for some patients, always check with a pelvic health therapist first. The most important things to look out for are the ergonomics so that you can easily do it, as well as how it’s made, and always purchase from a reputable source.
2. Kegel Weights Without Guidance
- Why It’s a Gimmick: Kegel weights can be useful for strengthening your pelvic floor, but only when used properly. Without proper guidance, they could worsen your condition, especially if your pelvic floor is too tight or imbalanced.
- What to Avoid: Simply don’t use without guidance from a pelvic health physical therapist. Weight sets, when recommended, i.e., for individuals with a true lack of proprioception or awareness of a contraction and need the input of a weight, should be used in a limited way.
Holding weights for long periods of time, doing too many contractions, or using weights that cannot be cleansed properly can lead to a host of concerns, such as tailbone pain from overcontraction. To give you an idea, I have been treating pelvic floor conditions in a clinical setting for over a decade and have maybe prescribed these 5 times.
3. Electric Stimulators Without Clinical Evidence
- Why It’s a Gimmick: While electric pelvic floor stimulators can be beneficial for very specific uses, such as for individuals with nerve damage or lack of sensation or awareness, many at-home versions lack solid research backing and don’t offer the necessary guidance for proper use. These products are often expensive and ineffective without professional supervision.
- What to Avoid: Be wary of any product that promises miraculous results without being backed up by robust evidence, such as from large, randomized controlled trials or medical recommendations.
4. Detox Pearls or Vaginal Steaming Kits
- Why It’s a Gimmick: Detox pearls and vaginal steaming kits claim to cleanse and rejuvenate your vagina, but in reality, they can do more harm than good. These products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels, leading to infections or irritation.
- What to Avoid: If you are concerned about your vaginal pH, or have recurrent infections, see your medical provider for alternatives like boric acid supplementation.
5. Magnetic or Crystal-Based Devices
- Why It’s a Gimmick: Products that claim to use the healing power of magnets or crystals to improve pelvic health lack scientific backing. While they might look attractive, there’s no evidence they offer any real benefits.
- What to Avoid: Avoid magnetic or crystal-based devices marketed as pelvic health tools. These products are more about trends than results. Plus, some crystals or stones can be porous, which means they are difficult to clean thoroughly and can be a hot spot for bacterial growth.
Treat Yourself This Christmas: Focus on What Works
This holiday season, treat yourself to tools backed by science and designed to genuinely support your pelvic health. Whether it’s a biofeedback pelvic floor trainer, a supportive cushion, or Pelvic Prep School, invest in products that will make a real difference for your body.
For more ways to unwind and prioritize your well-being, be sure to explore last year’s December Pleasure Guide for even more self-care inspiration.
Wishing you a healthy, empowered holiday season!
With care,
Dr. Sam DuFlo
