Kegel Exercises vs. HIFEM Technology: Which Works Better?

• 05/05/2026
• 0

Many women nowadays are dealing with pelvic floor problems. But most of the women do not talk about this problem. Due to pelvic exercise, you feel urine leakage when you sneeze or laugh. It can also cause pain during intimacy. It can also make recovery after childbirth harder.

Kegel exercises are a main solution to this problem. You can also do this exercise for free and easily at home. But now, a new treatment called HIFEM technology is becoming popular. Many women are asking, “Should I DO Kegels, or is HIFEM better for me?” In this blog, we will help you understand about Kegel exercise vs HIFEM technology, which works better?

What is The Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis. These muscles hold your bladder, uterus, and rectum in place. They help you to control your bladder. They also support your core and your sexual health.

These muscles can become weak over time. This can happen due to pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or hormonal change. When they become weak, you can face problems like:

• Urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
• A sudden urge to urinate
• Pelvic pain or heaviness 
• Discomfort during intimacy
• Pelvic organ prolapse 

Both Kegel exercise and HIFEM technology work helps to make your muscles strong. Let us look at how each one works. 

What Are Kegel Exercises?

Kegel exercises were first introduced in the 1940s by Dr. Arnold Kegel. These exercises help to tighten and relax the pelvic floor muscles. You can do this over and over again to build muscle strength. 

You have to squeeze the muscles you use to stop urine flow. You have to hold it for a few seconds. Then release it. Repeat this a few times a day. Why Kegels are good:

• They are completely free. 
• No equipment is needed
• You can do them anywhere 
• They are safe during pregnancy 
• They help with mild pelvic floor weakness 

Why Can Kegels Be Hard?

Many women do Kegels the wrong way. It can squeeze the wrong muscles. They push down instead of lifting up. This means this exercise does not need much help. 

Also, Kegels take a long time to show results. You need to do the daily routine for a few weeks and even for months. Many women find it hard to stay that consistent. 

If you do this in the right way, it can improve the stress urinary incontinence by 40 to 60%. But it is not always enough for everyone. 

What is HIFEM Technology?

HIFEM is High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Technology. It is a medical treatment that uses electromagnetic energy. This energy makes your pelvic floor muscles contract on their own. These contractions are stronger than what you can do manually. 

The most common device for this treatment is called the BTL Emsella Chair. It is FDA-cleared and used in many gynaecology clinics around the world. 

How Does It Work?

You sit on a chair fully clothed. This device sends electromagnetic pulses deep into your pelvic area. This can cause your pelvic muscles to contract. These are called supramaximal contractions. They are far stronger than any contraction you can do on your own. 

In just one 28-minute session, this device gives your pelvic muscles around 11,000 contractions. It is equal to doing 11,000 Kegel exercises in less than half an hour. Benefits of HIFEM:

1. It is painless and non-invasive 
2. You can stay fully clothed during the session.
3. A full course needs only 6 sessions over 3 weeks. 
4. Some women notice results after just 1 or 2 sessions. 
5. It works on all pelvic floor muscles at the same time. 
6. There is no recovery time needed. 
7. It helps with bladder control, sexual health, and core strength 

What Do Studies Say?

Research clearly shows that HIFEM is a strong and fast treatment. A 2021 study found that women who used HIFEM therapy had a 52% improvement in pelvic floor scores. Women who used only electrostimulation had an 18% improvement. Kegel results are even reduced for women with moderate to severe weakness. 

Another 12-month study found that 86.7% of HIFEM patients reported improvement. Only 62.5% of women do regular pelvic floor exercise. HIFEM patients also kept their results for a long time. The exercise group saw their results go down slowly over time. 

HIFEM works better because it reaches deep into the muscle. It activates all pelvic muscles at once. All the results of this exercise last long. 

Which One is Right For You?

The answer depends on your situation. Choose Kegel Exercise if:

• Your pelvic floor weakness is mild 
• If you are pregnant or have just had a baby recently
• You want a simple home routine to maintain results 
• Budget is a concern right now 

Choose HIFEM if?

1. You have been doing Kegels for a month with little improvement. 
2. Urine leakage is affecting your daily life 
3. You want fast and strong results 
4. You find it hard to do exercise correctly or stay consistent 
5. Additionally, you need a clinically proven treatment 

Many specialists suggest you use both together. Use HIFEM to build strength quickly. Then use Kegel exercises at home to keep the results. This is the most effective approach for long-term pelvic health. 

Visit Dr. Ahuja Clinic – Best Gynae Clinic in Chandigarh 

Dr. Ahuja Clinic is run by Dr. Ruchi Rai Ahuja. She is an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Uro-Gynaecology specialist. She has more than 20 years of experience. The clinic has modern facilities and a caring team. If you need any help with pelvic floor recovery, urinary incontinence, postpartum care, or cosmetic gynaecology. You do not have to keep suffering in silence. Book a consultation today. 

Ahuja Clinic is situated at #109, Sector 18 A, Chandigarh PIN 160018 (near Rotary Club)

+91-6284862829, alokahujaruchirai@gmail.com