Are you starting your rehabilitation with a probe and have a million questions?

How do you insert it? Do you need gel? In what order should you connect the parts? What precautions should you take?

Don’t worry: using your probe correctly is easy once you know the right steps. We’ll explain everything, step by step.

Good to know: This guide summarizes the general recommendations from the manufacturer’s instructions. It does not replace the instructions provided with your probe and device, nor the instructions from your healthcare professional. If in doubt, always consult them.

Before you begin: The probe never works alone

This is the key point to understand. A rehabilitation probe is not a standalone device: it must always be connected to an electrotherapy and/or biofeedback device (the stimulator). It is this device that controls the treatment.

The order is important: first connect the probe to the device, then insert it. Next, begin the session by following the instructions for the stimulator to which the probe is connected.

Integration, Step by Step

Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks.

1. Before using it for the very first time, be sure to rinse the probe under running water to remove any traces of disinfectant (the probe is delivered non-sterile but disinfected).
2. Next, connect the probe to your electrotherapy or biofeedback device.
3. Then gently insert the probe in a comfortable position, orienting it as directed by your practitioner depending on the model.

If insertion is difficult or if electrical conductivity is low, the instructions recommend a simple tip: lightly moisten the probe or use a small amount of water-based gel.

Important note: Use a water-based gel, and avoid using it in conjunction with topical medications.

Special Case: Atypical Probes

Some probes, such as the PERISIZE®, have prongs at their tips. For these probes, a precaution is necessary: the tip is flexible but fragile, and it is strongly advised not to spread the prongs apart, as this may break the probe.

In this case, the warranty would not apply.

Good to know: This type of probe comes with a small accessory, the jumper, which is recommended for use—especially during cleaning—to hold the probe in place and protect the prongs.

Precautions You Should Know

A few simple rules, taken directly from the manufacturer’s instructions, for safe and worry-free use:

⇒ Do not get the probe’s connection (connector) wet.

⇒ Do not disassemble, rotate, or pull apart any parts of the probe: it is part of a medical device and must be kept as is.

⇒ Never use a probe with damaged electrodes.

⇒ Never connect the probe to a high-frequency surgical device (electrosurgical unit), due to the risk of burns.

⇒ And of course, strictly follow your prescriber’s instructions: your healthcare professional determines the course of your rehabilitation.

Contraindications: When Not to Use the Probe

This is a critical safety consideration. The probe must not be used for electrostimulation in certain situations, whether confirmed or suspected. The instructions specifically mention:

• • a vaginal (or bladder) infection;
  • colorectal or genitourinary cancer;
  • pregnancy;
  • an implanted pacemaker (in this case, consult a cardiologist);
  • ureterovesical reflux;*a hypotonic bladder.

This list is not meant to cause concern, but to remind you of an obvious fact: getting the go-ahead from a healthcare professional before starting is not a mere formality—it’s a genuine safety measure.

After the session: the interview

Once your session is over, clean the probe with water and mild soap—without ever submerging it or getting the connection wet—and then store it dry in its original pouch.

We detail all the proper steps in our dedicated maintenance guide: Caring for a Perineal Rehabilitation Probe: The Complete Guide ⬈

To conclude…

Proper use of your probe comes down to a few clear guidelines: connect it to your device before inserting it, insert it gently (using a little water or water-based gel if needed), do not spread the prongs on applicable models, follow the standard precautions, check that you do not have any contraindications, and follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

With these guidelines, your rehabilitation will get off to the best possible start.

Please note that these instructions primarily apply to SUGAR® probes. Other brands may have different recommendations. Always refer to the instructions provided with your equipment.

⇒ To learn more, (re)read our article “The Perineum: Definition, Role, and Importance for Health ⬈,” and to understand the role of probes, check out our guide “Which perineal rehabilitation probe should you choose? The Complete Guide ⬈“.