Leap forward in women’s health
Aylmerite invents tool for pelvic floor health
Sophie Demers
The Femme Flexor is a tool for Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) invented by Wanda Cotie, a local entrepreneur and owner of Wicked Wanda’s Adult Emporium, a sex positive adult store. The Femme Flexor was created with a pelvic floor physiotherapist to ensure that the product is safe and effective.
Cotie told the Aylmer Bulletin that, during the past 20 years of owning and operating Wicked Wanda's, she has had the opportunity to hear many people’s stories. “It seemed weak pelvic floor muscles were extremely common,” said Cotie. “In fact, one in three women who are under the age of 45 report leakage and weakness. This number is likely much higher, as many people are embarrassed to discuss it.”
The pelvic floor supports other organs, prevents prolapse and incontinence, and has a sexual function. A weak pelvic floor can cause various uncomfortable symptoms and can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, strain, injury or aging.
PFMT can help with prolapsed organs. Cotie says that by the age of 57, 97.7% of women are reported to have at least some prolapse of the organs. This further highlights the importance of PFMT to prevent and treat prolapsed organs.
PFMT, also referred to as kegel exercises, are used to strengthen the pelvic floor. Many products offered are weighted kegel balls or other products such as Yoni eggs which are mineral gemstones which are inserted and used for PFMT. However, these can be harmful due to their weight and difficult to clean due to their porous nature.
The Femme Flexor takes a different approach. Using the body’s natural movements, the Femme Flexor targets the core muscles without added pressure on them. Inspired by a pilates band, Cotie notes that the Femme Flexor is comfortable and easy to use and remove. It is made in Canada and is made of 100% body-safe silicone.
The Femme Flexor can be used during pregnancy and all the way through menopause. According to Cotie and health professionals, regular kegel exercises at least three times a week can greatly increase pelvic floor strength.
Cotie told the Bulletin that PFMT would help reduce the impact of weak muscles, which in turn can reduce the need for adult diapers and pads in the future. These products are costing people approximately $3,000 a year and take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.
Photo: Courtesy of Wicked Wanda’s