As you know by now, the probe is often central to perineal rehabilitation, both in the clinic and at home (we talked about this last week).

But with so many different models available, one question keeps coming up: “Which one is right for me?”

Vaginal or anal, biofeedback or electrostimulation… We’ll help you make sense of it all, without the jargon.

⇒ First and foremost, an important clarification: the choice of a probe is always made in consultation with a healthcare professional. They are the ones who make the diagnosis and prescribe the device best suited to your situation.

This article is here to help you understand, not to encourage self-prescription.

First question: vaginal probe or anal probe?

This is the first major criterion, and it depends on the area to be rehabilitated.

→ The vaginal probe is used for female perineal rehabilitation, which is very common after pregnancy and childbirth, but also in everyday life (urinary incontinence, early-stage organ prolapse). It is inserted into the vagina and stimulates the pelvic floor muscles.

→ The anal (or anorectal) probe is used for both women and men. It is indicated for urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, or bladder instability. In particular, it is used in male rehabilitation, for example, following prostate surgery.

⇒ In other words: the vaginal probe is specific to women, while the anal probe is for everyone. The perineum has no gender!

Second question: What kind of work?

Not all probes work exactly the same way. There are two main functions, which are sometimes combined in a single model:

→ Electrical stimulation: the probe transmits mild electrical impulses that cause the muscle to contract. This is very useful when the pelvic floor is weakened and you have trouble contracting it voluntarily.
→ Biofeedback (BFB): the probe measures muscle activity and displays it on a screen. You can “see” your pelvic floor working, which helps you perform the correct movements and stay motivated.

Some probes, such as the ANALYS BLUE+®, are designed to provide both stimulation and biofeedback monitoring.

Please note: Regardless of the probe, it never operates on its own. It must be connected to a stimulator (such as theEVOSTIM E® or the INTELLISTIM UG®), which can be used at home or at the therapist’s office.

Question 3: Comfort, Ergonomics, and Special Cases

This is where the product line diversifies, as every body and every medical condition is different. Here are a few specific examples from our line of probes:

→ The OPTIMA 3® is a vaginal probe with three independent hemispherical electrodes, designed for precise stimulation. Its shape and adjustable electrodes make it possible, for example, to avoid anterior stimulation in cases of prolapse, or to specifically target the right or left side of the levator muscles in cases of weakness on one side.
→ The ANALYS BLUE+®, for anal use, prioritizes safety and comfort: its notches and ridges ensure a secure fit around the sphincter and prevent the risk of anorectal suction.

Comfort is extremely important: a lightweight probe that is properly positioned and adapted to your anatomy makes rehabilitation much more pleasant—and therefore more consistent.

A reassuring detail: our electrodes are coated with nickel-free gold, ensuring good conductivity and preventing allergic reactions.

Fourth point: hygiene and reimbursement

Two important points to keep in mind.
The probe is for strictly personal use.

For hygiene reasons, it should not be shared: each person must have their own.

Reimbursement: In France, the purchase of a perineal rehabilitation probe is covered by health insurance as a medical device, provided it is prescribed by a healthcare professional (TIPS reimbursement with a prescription).

So, how do you choose?

In conclusion…

In summary, the right choice depends on three factors: the area to be rehabilitated (vaginal or anal), the type of therapy prescribed (electrostimulation, biofeedback, or both), and your comfort and anatomy. Above all, this choice is made in close consultation with your healthcare professional, who will make the diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate probe.

Once you know what you need, our product line covers all of these needs, the result of 30 years of expertise in probe design in Europe.

→ Want to discover our different probes? Browse our ranges of vaginal rehabilitation and anal rehabilitation, and discuss them with your healthcare provider.