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Aquaflex User Guide

Aquaflex Cones are unique and effective in the treatment of incontinence, allowing you to take control of strengthening your pelvic floor muscles.

Our Aquaflex user guide will give you advice on how to use the cones, as well as some handy tips for improving their effectiveness, while our dos and don'ts list will give you essential information about using the cones safely.

How to use Aquaflex Cones

• The cone is gently introduced into the vagina with the larger end first and the cord outside the vagina
• Usually, the larger cone is used first (it should be comfortable to insert this size without lubrication, otherwise use the smaller size). When the empty shell is inserted, tighten your pelvic floor muscles whilst gently pulling on the cord to ensure that the cone is in its correct position, resting just over the pelvic floor muscles. If it is too far in or wedged behind a prolapse it cannot help in re-educating your pelvic floor msucles. If you contract your pelvic floor muscles you should be able to feel the cone being pulled away from the tip of your finger. If it seems to push out you are using the wrong muscles
• See if you can retain the cone whilst standing up and when you are walking around for one minute. If this poses no problems, start to add weights and repeat the procedure. Eventually, you will find the weight that you cannot retain for the one-minute walking. Go back to the weight that you could retain for one minute and use this as your ‘exercising cone weight’. Aim then to use the cone with this weight for 15 minutes twice a day; sometimes 20 minutes once per day is recommended instead
• If you cannot retain the empty cone shell in standing, lie down and try the exercises whilst gently pulling on the cord. If you still cannot retain the cone in standing consult your health professional again
• When able to retain the cone for the full 15 minutes on two consecutive occasions increase the cone weight
• If able to retain all the weights in the larger cone whilst doing activities, try using the smaller cone. It will be more difficult and you will need to start with a lower weight again
• Use your cones daily and there should be improvement in about eight weeks. However it is recommended that you continue to exercise for at least 12 weeks. A programme of exercise for 20 weeks is quite usual

Tips for using Aquaflex Cones

• Although loose underwear is permitted in order to stop the cone from dropping out onto the floor, tight fitting underwear is not allowed as this may help in retaining the cone
• One of the major benefits of using vaginal cones is that you can perform daily activities whilst retaining it. To begin, try and retain the cone whilst ‘pottering’ around the kitchen. Then try walking up and down stairs with it inserted, lifting the kettle, pushing a vacuum cleaner etc...The ultimate is to be able to jump or cough and still retain the cone
• It is important to continue to maintain your pelvic floor muscles tone by occasional pelvic floor muscle exercises. Often women find it advantageous to continue to use the cones on an occasional basis to ensure that their pelvic floor muscles continue to maintain their ability

Check list of Dos and Don'ts

Do...

• Wash your hands before and after using Aquaflex
• Thoroughly clean the cones before and after every use
• Use your Aquaflex regularly. As with all exercise the best results are achieved and maintained by regular training
• Seek professional advice (GP, Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Continence Advisor) if you have any difficulties using Aquaflex

Don't...

• Expect to feel an immediate improvement. Muscle training takes time and the benefits may not felt for several weeks. If there is no improvement after 12 weeks you should seek professional advice
• Allow anyone else to use your cones
• Use Aquaflex during or just after intercourse
• Use Aquaflex whilst using a vaginal diaphragm or cap
• Use Aquaflex during pregnancy
• Use Aquaflex if you have a prolapse
• Use Aquaflex during your period
• Use Aquaflex if you have a vaginal infection