2. How soon after having a baby can I start to use Aquaflex?
4. Should I be stood up when using Aquaflex?
5. How can I tell if I've got my cone in the right place?
6. Once my pelvic floor muscles are stronger, is there a maintenance routine I should follow?
7. What should I do if I'm exercising regularly but don't feel any improvement?
8. Can I use Aquaflex if I experience vaginal dryness?
9. Am I likely to get thrush or any other infection from Aquaflex?
10. Do I have to do the "squeeze and lift" exercises when the Aquaflex cones have been inserted?
11. Why should I not use it if I've had a prolapse?
12. Why should I not use it when I'm pregnant?
Answers
1. What is Aquaflex?
(A) Aquaflex consists of weighted cones, specifically designed for women who accidentally leak urine when they cough, laugh, exercise or sneeze. Aquaflex is one of the most widely used Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Systems in the UK.
2. How soon after having a baby can I start to use Aquaflex?
(A) The best time to start using Aquaflex is as soon as you feel comfortable. It usually takes up to eight weeks for stitches and grazes to heal so it’s best to wait until then. Alternatively, you could wait for the all clear at your post-natal check-up.
3. Can I use Aquaflex whilst carrying out the pelvic floor exercises demonstrated at my ante-natal and post-natal classes?
(A) You should not use Aquaflex whilst pregnant. However, after having your baby you should continue with your pelvic floor muscle exercises until you feel comfortable enough to start using Aquaflex (6-8 weeks after giving birth). As with all exercise, you must take care not to over exercise the muscles. Note: Using the cone will replace regular sessions of pelvic floor muscle exercises.
4. Should I be stood up when using Aquaflex?
(A) Yes, in the upright position, gravity will cause the cone to move downwards. To prevent the cone from falling out, the muscles tighten up around it and keep it in place. This automatic reaction would not occur without gravity, so sitting down would be ineffective.
5. How do I know if I have the cone in the right place?
(A) All women are shaped differently, so the precise position will vary from person to person. As a general guide, if the cone pulls away from your finger when you have inserted it, then you are using the correct muscles. If it pushes down on your finger then you are probably using your abdominal muscles instead of your pelvic floor muscles.
Note: Make sure you don't position the cone as high as you would a tampon. You may find that the cone slips down slightly, but always ensure the cone remains fully enclosed within the vagina.
6. Once my pelvic floor muscles are stronger, is there a maintenance routine I should follow?
(A) It is recommended that you continue to use Aquaflex just once or twice a week to ensure your pelvic floor muscles maintain their strength. After every period, you could check whether you are still able to hold the cone in place at the heaviest weight you previously managed. If you can't, it's time to exercise with Aquaflex again to get your muscles back to their full strength.
7. What should I do if I am exercising regularly but don't feel any improvement?
(A) First check the instructions again, and make sure you're using Aquaflex in the correct way. If you are, and you're not getting the results you'd hoped for, you can either ring the Aquaflex FREEPHONE Helpline (0808 100 2890), or ask your doctor to put you in touch with a specialist women's health physiotherapist for one to one advice.
8. Can I use Aquaflex if I experience vaginal dryness?
(A) Yes. You may find the Aquaflex cone easier to insert if it is wet with water or if a very small amount of lubricant is applied. Note: too much lubricant will make it too difficult to retain the cone.
9. Am I likely to get thrush or any other infection from Aquaflex?
(A) Not if you follow a simple hygiene routine. Always make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before using Aquaflex. Make sure every individual part of your Aquaflex kit is washed in soapy water, rinsed, and thoroughly dried each and every time you use it. Pay special attention to the area where the cord enters the cone, and keep the cones in their clean container.
10. Do I have to do the ‘squeeze and lift’ exercises when the Aquaflex cones have been inserted?
(A) The ‘squeeze and lift’ exercises are not generally done at the same time as using the cones. However, they may be carried out as extra exercise!
11. Why should I not use Aquaflex if I've had a prolapse?
(A) If you have an anterior or posterior wall prolapse there is the possibility that the cone may get wedged behind the prolapse. The individual will not need to make any effort to retain the cone and therefore it will become ineffective. If a uterine prolapse has occurred it may be difficult, painful or impossible to insert a cone. Also, if prolapse surgery has taken place it may be too uncomfortable to insert a cone.
12. Why should I not use Aquaflex when I'm pregnant?
(A) Due to the fear of the Aquaflex cones not being washed properly we do not recommend the use of the product during pregnancy as there could be a risk of infection. Other complications can arise during pregnancy such as urinary tract infections and miscarriages which the individuals may believe were caused by the Aquaflex cone. Also, as the pregnancy proceeds it would be more difficult to insert the cone because of the 'bump' being in the way! For these reasons Mobilis Healthcare suggests customers do NOT use the Aquaflex cones whilst being pregnant.
13. What should I do if I can't hold in an empty cone whilst lying down and pulling gently on the cord?
(A) If this occurs you may need some help from a specialist women's health physiotherapist. Speak to your doctor as they will be able to recommend one in your area.